The German Biathlon team found reason to celebrate at the recent Biathlon World Cup event held in Oberhof, securing third place in the highly competitive Single-Mixed relay. On Sunday, January 12, 2025, athletes Selina Grotian and Justus Strelow represented their country with determination, finishing behind surprise winners Finland and strong contenders France.
Grotian and Strelow faced a rollercoaster of emotions during the race, but their final standing brought some joy to what had been, overall, a challenging weekend for the German team. Grotian, only 20 years old, showcased both talent and resilience. Despite facing multiple challenges on the shooting range—including three additional cartridges during her turns—she managed to maintain her composure and secure the podium finish along with her teammate Strelow.
Strelow, 28 years old, opened the race powerfully, hitting all ten targets without requiring any additional shots. He quickly built up momentum for their squad, sending Grotian off with the lead at the first exchange. Unfortunately, Grotian's efforts were hampered during her initial run; she needed one extra cartridge and fell to fifth place. The stakes were high as the crowd cheered from the stands.
With her trademark grit, Grotian regained her focus and put up a valiant fight. The intense atmosphere of the Oberhof arena only added to the pressure. "I had to give it my all up there. The fans pushed me to dig deep and not give up," Grotian reflected after the race. Grotian’s infectious spirit during the challenge echoed through the winter air as she fought to avoid any penalizing laps. While her shooting struggles allowed the competition to pass, her speed on skis was compelling enough to keep the team competitive.
Commenting on their race day experience, Strelow remarked, "It was simply fantastic. I was pleased with how everything unfolded for me—it feels good to start strong like this!" His contributions did not go unnoticed; Grotian praised him, insisting, "He has done such a great job today. His shoot was incredible, and I aim to learn from him." This mutual respect reflects the already blossoming dynamic between the two athletes.
The competition proved relentless, with Strelow and Grotian sporting the nation's colors against swift rivals. Finland, led by Tero Seppälä and Suvi Minkkinen, took home gold during this exhilarating showcase, edging out France, who captured silver. Strelow's shooting proficiency contrasted sharply with Grotian's, providing both anxiety and assurance every time they approached the range—each shot was a potential pivot point for their placement.
Despite their team's struggles, including notable mistakes made by other competitors through the weekend, including the mixed-team relay where the squad missed the podium, the excitement remained palpable. Strelow’s comment echoed across the finish line: “A day like this makes it all worthwhile.”
Notably, the atmosphere at Oberhof was exceptional—more than 20,000 enthusiastic fans provided the competitors with electric energy from the stands. The athletes, especially Grotian, fed off the crowd's enthusiasm, turning the race's pressure momentarily manageable.
After the event, the team assessed their mixed success, attributing some struggles to the pressure of performing on home ground. Sporting Director Felix Bitterling acknowledged, “The expectations certainly weighed on us this weekend; perhaps we took too much upon ourselves.” Coach Uros Velepec remained optimistic, encouraging his athletes to keep working hard, promising improvement by the next competition.
"We have faced tougher conditions, and we will take the lessons we have learned here to improve next time. Ruhpolding will be another opportunity for us to shine," Velepec stated confidently as the team prepared for future challenges. His reassurance is mirrored by Grotian’s positive mindset. "Last year was rough for me, and facing it again felt intense, but I’m taking this podium as motivation to keep moving forward," she quipped.
While celebrating the podium means good news for Grotian's burgeoning career, the team cautiously acknowledged the gaps present during the competition. The individuals who started strong fell short during the mixed relay, significantly affecting overall morale. With optimistically cautious attitudes, the strong team cohesion on display remains reason enough for enthusiasm.
"We love showing our progress; as long as we keep at it, we will grow as both individuals and as teammates," concluded Strelow. With the promise of more races and the encouragement of fans ringing true, the German Biathlon team stands ready to tackle the next hill they face on the snowy slopes of Ruhpolding and beyond.