Germany’s biathlete Janina Hettich-Walz was almost forgotten. After her baby break, she now turns back imposingly.
Smooth 27 seconds lead to the overall World Cup winner Franziska Preuss had been able to show Janina Hettich-Walz at the German Championship. The 29-year-old returned imposingly to the biathlon after a year of baby break.
Hettich -Walz could hardly believe her success, in an interview after the victory she even seemed close to tears – and at the same time beamed with luck.
Janina Hettich-Walz shines in the biathlon after one year of forced break
“I was pretty nervous and I am overjoyed that it worked out that way,” she said after the shortened single over 12.5 kilometers, which she won with flying colors.
Hettich-Walz: daughter Karlotta as “extra motivation”
Before Hettich Walz gave birth to her daughter Karlotta last February, she paused for the entire 2024/25 season. The competition in the Bavarian Forest was her first event after the break.
Her daughter was also on site, but the 29-year-old got little from her during the competition: “I always thought, maybe I see her while running, that would be an extra motivation. But I think she wasn’t so interested in biathlon.”
But even without the extra motivation, Hettich-Walz was able to convince. Even against the overall World Cup winner Franziska Preuss, she was able to prevail without any mistakes – Preuss, on the other hand, had to cover a penalty round.
“I knew that I was well in shape, but how it really works, you only notice when the competition starts. So I was very happy when I went one or two rounds and noticed it goes quite well,” said Hettich Walz.
On the way to the Olympic Games
Even before the birth of her daughter, the Vice World Champion of 2024 had great goals for her comeback. Before she had to pause her career, Hettich-Walz was considered one of the best German biathletes.
“In the 2025/2026 season, it is my goal to be part of the team again and take part in the Olympic Games in Milan. There are now many examples of athletes who have successfully returned to the top of the world after pregnancy – that would also be my plan.”
Germany’s biathlete Janina Hettich-Walz was forgotten. After her Maternity Leave, she is now make an impressive comeback.
Janina Hettich-Walz Was Able to Show A Smooth 27-Second Lead Overall World Cup Winner Franziska Preuss at the German Championships. The 29-Year-Old Made on Impressive Return to Biathlon After A Year’s Baby Break.
Hettich -Walz Could Hardly Believe Her Success, and in an interview after the Victory She Seemed Close to Tears – and at the same time Beamed with Happiness.
Janina Hettich-Walz Shines in Biathlon After A One-Year Forced Break
“I was pretty nervous and on overjoyed that it worked out so well now,” She Said after the shorted individual race over 12.5 kilometers, which she with with flying colors.
Hettich-Walz: Daughter Karlotta as “Extra Motivation”
Before Hettich-Walz Gave Birth to Her daughter Karlotta Last February, she took a Break for the Entire 2024/25 Season. The Competition in the Bavarian Forest was her first event after the break.
Her daughter was on site, but the 29-year-Old Didn’t Notice Much of Her During the Competition: “I Kept Thinking That Maybe I’d See Her While Running, that would be an extra motivation. But I don’t think she was interested in Biathlon.”
But even without the extra motivation, Hettich-Walz was able to convince. She was even even to Prevail Against Overall World Cup Winner Franziska Preuss Without Making Any Mistakes – Preuss, on the other Hand, had to complete a penalty loop.
“I knew that i was in good shape, but you only real notice how it goes when the competition starts.
On the way to the Olympic Games
Even before the Birth of Her Daughter, The Vice World Champion of 2024 had big goals for her comeback. Before she had to break her career by force, hettich-walz was considered one of the best German biathletes.
“In the 2025/2026 Season, my goal is to be part of the team again and participate in the Olympic Games in Milan. There Are now many examples of athletes who have sucessfully returned to the World’s top after pregnancy – that would be my plan.”