Biathlon legend Laura Dahlmeier has changed her focus. From biathlon to climate work and to the mountains.
Biathlon legend, double Olympic champion and seven-time world champion: Laura Dahlmeier (30) is one of the best biathletes of all time. She retired from professional biathlon at the age of just 25. Today she continues to appear in front of the camera as a ZDF expert, ventures into challenging alpine climbing tours as an active mountain athlete and is involved in numerous projects in sports and sustainability development.
Among other things, she is part of a group of experts that advises the International Biathlon Union (IBU) on the topics of sustainability and climate and has published a children’s book, “The Climate Gang”, in which she shows what each individual can contribute to climate protection. “I think sustainability is so important to me because out in the mountains I can feel the power of nature, but also how it changes, particularly well,” she explains during a HelloFresh event, which aims to draw attention to the problem of food waste.
You have been committed to sustainability issues for many years, including being an ambassador for the IBU Biathlon Climate Challenge. What does sustainability mean to you personally?
Laura Dahlmeier: For me, sustainability means being attentive. What do we do and what are the consequences of our actions? What does this mean for me personally, but above all for us as humanity and for future generations? It is important to me to take a close look and act the way I would like others to act. I think sustainability is so important to me because out in the mountains I can feel the power of nature, but also its changes, particularly well.
In which areas do you act particularly sustainably?
Dahlmeier: I drive a hybrid car and use my bike as often as possible. For longer distances, I try to compensate for the CO2 emissions of the trip. I eat a predominantly vegetarian diet and pay attention to a regional and seasonal diet. I also try to be economical in my consumption, use up products and repair things instead of buying new ones.
How much did the event change your perspective on the problem of food waste?
Dahlmeier: On average, 78 kg of food is wasted per capita in Germany every year. During the event, I experienced firsthand how heavy and stressful this weight is by pulling a cart with 78 kg of food up a mountain. This is an enormous amount of often still edible products that could be saved with simple measures. HelloFresh, for example, campaigns against waste by portioning the ingredients in the cooking boxes to the exact gram.
What tips do you have for everyday life, how do we manage to waste less food?
Dahlmeier: The main causes of food waste are too many impulse purchases, incorrect planning and storage. That’s why in everyday life I make sure to store food optimally, cook the right portion size and, if there is anything left over, use the leftovers. It is also important not to go shopping hungry. As a competitive athlete, I know all too well the danger of buying too much after training. In order to avoid impulse purchases, I plan my meals carefully in advance and therefore only buy the ingredients in the right quantities that I need for the dishes. However, that’s not always easy if, like me, you travel so much for work.
Since the end of your sports career, you have been involved in many projects that are close to your heart. Do you see it as an obligation for you to get involved in a good cause as a celebrity?
Dahlmeier: I think every person should think about what is important to them and how they can work for it. Especially when you have “received” as much as I have, it is also good to give something. Unfortunately, my resources are also limited because there are so many great and exciting projects that are worth supporting. It would be nice if I could also motivate others to get involved in their passion project.
Do you sometimes miss the previous competition today?
Dahlmeier: No. Everything in its time. I love sport and being outdoors in nature, but I no longer need competition and measuring myself against other athletes. I can now observe and analyze the biathlon races from the other side as a TV expert for ZDF.
With the Christmas season approaching, the idea of charity is once again becoming more of a focus. Are you particularly keen to donate at Christmas?
Dahlmeier: It’s good that there is so much talk about social engagement in this quiet time and that you can constantly adapt and change your own perspective. However, we should not limit our commitment to the Christmas season. I try to stay involved consistently throughout the year and not just at this particular time of year.
How will you spend the Christmas holidays?
Dahlmeier: On Christmas Day I traditionally volunteer for the mountain rescue service in my home country and I celebrate with my family in the evening. The rest of the Christmas days I’ll be active in the mountains myself, skiing or climbing, depending on the snow and conditions.
Are there any particular traditions that you keep year after year?
Dahlmeier: My personal tradition is to spend a few quiet hours outside in the mountains on Christmas Eve before settling in at home in the evening.
With the Christmas season the final spurt for 2023 begins. What is your personal balance for the year?
Dahlmeier: I can look back on a wonderful, successful and action-packed year 2023! I was able to complete my professional training to become a state-certified mountain and ski guide and was on a successful ski expedition in Turkey. After a climbing trip in France, I cycled solo 500km in a row, then ran 100km in a row in the fall and in between I climbed my first 7000m peak in the Pamir Mountains with my brother. The most important thing for this active lifestyle is a healthy body and mind as well as the necessary bit of happiness so that I always get home safely.
What do you want for 2024?
Dahlmeier: Peace, tolerant coexistence and careful treatment of our planet. Personally, I wish for continued good health, ease in everyday life and always the necessary grounding. Hopefully I will succeed in all upcoming projects and challenging adventures.