Wednesday, December 8th, 2021
“So that we don’t get a hole”
Schempp lacks risk in German biathlon
The results of the German biathletes are so far not very convincing. For Simon Schempp, who has just resigned, this is not only due to the fact that top performers have ended their careers. He accuses the youngsters and the association of not taking enough risks.
Simon Schempp can’t quite leave it. In front of the picturesque panorama of the Chiemgau Alps, the former biathlon star in the three lakes area strapped on his boards again. Finally without the great pressure to perform, just for fun. His heart beats “of course still for biathlon,” said the former world champion, who resigned at the end of January. He “continues to follow the sport” – and that is exactly why he is a little worried about the future of German biathlon.
It is precisely the lack of top-class offspring that worries Schempp. The 33-year-old complained that the average age of the men was “already significantly lower”: “We have to get this under control quickly, because a Benedikt Doll or an Erik Lesser will probably not do biathlon for another five years. So that we don’t have a hole.” it takes a lot of work and rapid development of the athletes. “
A first small hole has already opened up through his resignation and that of Arnd Peiffer before the start of the third World Cup in Hochfilzen. “As a result, it is certain that the podium places will be less,” said Schempp, not surprised by the mixed start of the season for the German men. But the chance is “still there. Some runners have the potential to do so. With a good day at the shooting range, there can be several podium places this season as well.”
Preuss as an example of real risk
Schempp primarily links the concerns about the youngsters to the lack of willingness to take risks among young athletes. “I see the problem that young athletes don’t really dare to make the transition to adulthood,” explains the native Swabian: “Most athletes have in mind that after school you should secure yourself with a degree or an apprenticeship on the side But sometimes you have to take risks as an athlete, and that’s what I did after school. “
There would definitely be the chance “as a very ambitious and hard-working athlete to knock on the World Cup team early on,” said Schempp: “You grow with your tasks, and the earlier you seek contact with the very best, the faster you develop.” This is perfectly demonstrated by Franziska Preuss, whose partner is Schempp. She entered the World Cup at the age of 19 and over the years has developed into a world class athlete.
While Schempp will be presenting his biography “Zieleinlauf” in the coming week, Preuss will bear the greatest German hopes from Friday at the location of his World Cup triumph in the mass start. “It can be a very, very good season,” her friend predicts. If necessary, he stood by Preuss with help and advice. “But in the last few years she has become a very independent athlete and has developed tremendously,” enthuses Schempp. He was generally “very positive” about the “Franzi” – unlike the subsequent generation of biathlons.