Biathlon World Cup
Schneider’s emotional rollercoaster: from the bus to the winner’s podium
Found out about her assignment a good three hours before the race: Sophia Schneider. photo
© Hendrik Schmidt/dpa
For Sophia Schneider, the Biathlon World Championships were already over. But then a teammate drops out. And the 26-year-old takes the opportunity to run the race of her life.
Sophia Schneider was able to help her I can hardly believe my luck even with the bronze medal around my neck. Actually, she would have already been home in Germany at this point on Saturday evening. “I was basically already sitting on the bus,” said the 26-year-old biathlete. But things turned out differently.
Because veteran Franziska Preuß was unavailable at short notice, Schneider, who had previously been disappointing at the World Championships, moved up to the rear of the Nove Mesto relay – and with a nerve-racking performance, surprisingly secured bronze for herself, Janina Hettich-Walz, Vanessa Voigt and Selina Grotian.
Compassion for teammate
“The medal is very important, my season wasn’t the easiest – always ups and downs, like here at the World Cup,” said Schneider, who, like Voigt, was in the silver relay in Oberhof last year.
She only found out about her commitment at 10:30 a.m., a good three hours before the race. Preuss sent her another message. “I should enjoy the race and be happy to be the last to cross the finish line. That was very nice of her,” said Schneider and at the same time expressed sympathy for her teammate.
Schneider was previously unable to impress at the World Championships with 28th place in the sprint and 37th place in the pursuit. Instead of her, World Cup debutant Grotian was chosen for the individual and relay events.
Sadness and disappointment
After the pursuit race, many tears were shed due to sadness and disappointment. They had a lot of phone calls with their parents, but also the support of the entire team. “It’s nice to see that you’re rewarded if you don’t let yourself go,” said Schneider.
She will not be in the mass start of the top 30 on Sunday. But she can get over that with the precious metal in the relay. She is already looking ahead to the last trimester with the World Cups in Oslo, Soldier Hollow/USA and Canmore/Canada. “I hope to do a few more good races. I’m looking forward to what’s to come,” said Schneider. The experience of finishing as a runner for the first time should help.