Biathletes Franziska Preuß and Lou Jeanmonnot prove that athletic rivalry and friendly interaction are quite compatible. The French athlete has now spoken about this again.
The spectacular World Cup finale of the 2024/25 biathlon season will certainly remain forever in the memories of Franziska Preuß and Lou Jeanmonnot. During the last race of the winter in Oslo, Norway, both fought for the Big Crystal Globe and threw themselves together into the final lap. In the end, Preuss’s dream came true, while Jeanmonnot shed bitter tears.
However, nothing of the drama is recognizable anymore. On the contrary: Through their duel, both grew closer privately and apparently get along excellently. In the summer, the two competitors trained in Preuß’s home, the Chiemgau Arena in Ruhpolding. “We are not opponents, but people who practice the same sport,” the Frenchwoman reflected at the Loop One Festival in Munich.
“I think that’s how friendship works”
Preuß had to cancel her planned participation in the event in the Bavarian capital after a hand operation. “It’s a shame that she’s not here. It would have been great to see her,” said Jeanmonnot. Instead, she visited Preuß again in her home and enjoyed the time according to her own statements. Does this exactly characterize the biathlon sport, that even great rivals can get along well?
“Yes, we are not opponents, but people who practice the same sport. I love how she handled her entire season. I think that’s how friendship works. I liked everything she showed. I hope what I showed pleased her too,” Jeanmonnot answered to a corresponding inquiry from SPORT1 .
Next winter, both could deliver close duels on the track again. Is Preuß even her toughest opponent again? “A difficult one in any case. Whether she will be the most, I don’t know. Lisa Vittozzi and Dorothea Wierer, for example, have also trained very well,” said Jeanmonnot.
“I hope it will be a beautiful and close fight.”
“And not to forget my French teammates (Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, Julia Simon, Oceane Michelon, Jeanne Richard; editor’s note) , they are very strong at the moment,” the 27-year-old added. “There are many who can be really strong. I hope it will be a beautiful and close fight.”
In addition to the overall World Cup, both Preuß and Jeanmonnot have another big goal: the Winter Games in February.
So far, neither has won an Olympic individual medal in their career – now the chances for this seem better than ever before.