Hannah Auchentaller has found her smile again. © SN

What does Hannah Auchentaller do when she is not running World Championship races?

It is not yet Hannah Auchentaller's World Championship. However, she had reason to be hopeful on Tuesday in Lenzerheide. After the race, she gave us a glimpse into the private life of a biathlete.

18. February 2025

From Lenzerheide

At the start of this Biathlon World Championship, Hannah Auchentaller was slowed down by a cold. She gritted her teeth, but missed out on a top 30 place by a long way - until this Tuesday, which gave her new reason for hope.

Auchentaller showed significant improvement, keeping up both at the shooting range and on the cross-country ski trail. In the end, she finished 21st in the individual race. "It annoyed me that I couldn't show what I was capable of in the first two World Cup races," she explained to SportNewsShe added: "But I've reset everything - and I've managed that quite well. My muscles are responding better now, I have more strength again. Now I'm looking forward to everything that's still to come."

"I reset everything to zero" Hannah Auchentaller

What will happen next is currently completely unclear. The only thing that is certain is that Auchentaller will no longer compete in individual competitions in Lenzerheide. She is not eligible to compete in the final mass start race on Sunday, as only the best 15 in the overall World Cup will compete there. However, she is considered a seed for the relay race on Saturday, even if she is cautious about it. "I don't know what will happen next. The motto is: just keep your head down and keep training as if the next race is tomorrow. I feel sorry for the coaches because we are five good guys and we are not making the decision easy for them," said Auchentaller with a smile.

Hannah Auchentaller is on the up in terms of form. © Teyssot / Pierre TEYSSOT

If the injured Dorothea Wierer is also unable to compete in the single mixed relay, the 23-year-old from Antholz could be back in action on Thursday. Alongside the in-form Michela Carrara, she is considered a possible replacement for Wierer.

Auchentaller as a Wierer replacement?

But even if the wait until the next race drags on, Auchentaller will not be bored in the winter sports resort in Graubünden. "I already know how to pass the time here. Away from the competition, I lie in the sun, go running or read a book. In the evenings, I play board games, which is great fun," reveals Auchentaller. It is important to switch off from biathlon every now and then, "to do something completely different." Because that is another way for Auchentaller to recharge his batteries.


Listen to the full interview with Hannah Auchentaller here: