Rebecca Passler introduces herself: “I can hardly believe it myself”

Biathlete Rebecca Passler, like superstar Dorothea Wierer, comes from Antholz. After winning three medals at the Junior World Championships in Obertilliach, “Rebby” has the best prospects for the future. Maybe it will even be possible to take part in the Olympics in Beijing in 2022. The 19-year-old hasn't even made her debut in the World Cup yet.

Passler, a name that has a real commitment in the Antholz Valley and in biathlon in general: 19-year-old Rebecca is the niece of Johann Passler (now 59), after all a two-time relay world champion and two-time Olympic medalist. About the sister to biathlon “I got into biathlon through my older sister Greta. Ralf, Johann's brother, was my coach. In the Antholz Valley it is almost a given that people try this traditional sport. “I then joined the Carabinieri sports group through the Antholz sports club and the state squad,” says Rebecca about her career.

Rebecca Passler is one of the biggest biathlon talents in this country. © Björn Reichert / Björn Reichert

Passler's big moment came recently in March at the Junior World Championships in Obertilliach in Tyrol. Rebecca won three medals (two silver, one bronze). “I didn't expect that, I'm really overjoyed,” she says, looking back on the big event. Enforced against Vittozzi and Wierer “Rebby”, as Passler is called, achieved a very special coup at the Italian Championships in Val Martello. Eight days ago she won the mass start title (despite falling on the finish line) in the general class, leaving superstars Lisa Vittozzi and Dorothea Wierer behind.

“I can hardly believe it myself. When I was the first to leave the shooting range after the last shooting, I thought, now they will catch up with me. But no one came and I was even able to win, despite falling shortly before the finish line. Almost unbelievable,” describes Passler. Now even the Olympics are an issue The three medals at the Junior World Championships and this great success against Wierer and Vittozzi should probably open doors - right? “I don't want to say anything about it. There's a lot of talk in the association these days and the course is being set for the future," says Passler, almost a little defensively.

Rebecca Passler (right) with her good friend and biathlon colleague Hannah Auchentaller.

In the Italian winter sports association, everything has always been a bit chaotic and there has been a lack of quick action. But head coach Andreas Zingerle is an expert who doesn't miss anything. He has long recognized Passler's talent and is likely to include her in the World Cup team. Because only Wierer and Vittozzi have a regular place in the women's Olympic relay. Trained beautician For Passler, this is the snow of tomorrow. She is currently training to become a cross-country skiing instructor, relaxing a bit and taking care of her friendships. “I travel a lot in the winter, so I like to look after my friends, for example do their nails,” reports the tall biathlete. She has successfully completed training in cosmetics and beauty care.

Passler is used to hard training (two sessions a day), but knows that “you can always improve and there is still a lot to learn.” Passler hopes that she will continue to stay cool at the shooting range: “I don’t think too much, pondering for long periods of time is not my thing,” describes the young woman. In April, recovery is announced for the first time, and advanced training begins again in May. Following in Wierer's footsteps “Rebby” Passler has already achieved a lot for her young age. The sport of biathlon should continue to shape them in the next decade. The young woman already knows that a thank you is in order: “Yes, first and foremost to my parents. Then the Antholz sports club, the Carabinieri sports group and the national team.” Should Wierer retire after the Olympics, her successor is ready.

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Rebecca Passler introduces herself: “I can hardly believe it myself”

You don't have to worry about your own offspring in the local biathlon sport. The young ski hunters are already making people sit up and take notice - especially Rebecca Passler. But what makes the South Tyrolean super talent tick?

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