Happy mom: Denise Herrmann-Wick.

Biathlon Queen: With baby to the TV premiere

During her first World Cup appearance as a television expert, Denise Herrmann-Wick does not want to be without her little daughter, even in faraway Finland.

28 November 2024

From: dpa/det

Seven-month-old Jonna and her husband Thomas Wick are accompanying the 2022 Olympic biathlon champion to Kontiolahti - teamwork is a top priority in the home of the two former winter sports athletes. "This is our longest journey so far," the two-time world champion told the German Press Agency before departure.

A new job awaits the long-time number one German ski hunter in Finland after her retirement in March 2023. At the start of the season, the 35-year-old will be in front of the camera for the first time in the World Cup as an expert for ZDF. She succeeds Sven Fischer, who will become co-commentator.

A new job

"I think it's nice when you stay true to biathlon, but in a different way than as a coach. And I enjoyed analyzing as an athlete," said Herrmann-Wick, who alternates with double Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier at ZDF. She has already been in close contact with her to find out "how the sport could be made even more understandable for viewers," said Herrmann-Wick.

Was Germany's best for a long time: Denise Herrmann-Wick. © APA/afp / CHRISTOF STACHE

Even as an expert, Herrmann-Wick wants to remain authentic
She is not a newbie in front of the camera; she already gave countless interviews as a biathlon and cross-country skier. Only the work processes are different now. "I don't have the feeling that millions of people are watching me at the moment. I want to stay myself," said the native of Saxony.

The new job is an extension of her professional portfolio. In addition to her distance learning course (life coaching), she gives lectures once or twice a month and is also active for several partners. "I don't see myself as just staying at home in the traditional way. The way things are right now, it works and is easy to combine," said Herrmann-Wick. She and her husband share the tasks: "We work together as a team."

Daughter as a biathlete?

If the name Jonna Wick were to crop up in sport again at some point, that would be "nice," said Herrmann-Wick. "It would be great if we could pass on her passion for sport," said the former cross-country skier, whose husband Thomas was also active in the German cross-country skiing A team. Preferably biathlon or cross-country skiing, of course. "But what and in what form, whether competitive sport or not, is something she alone decides," said the former world champion.