Franziska Preuss secures the overall World Cup in a dramatic final – and then impresses with a fair play gesture.
After the finish line at the mass start at the Holmenkollen in Norway, Preuss initially had no big cheering gods, but a compassionate look back to the fallen competitor Lou JeanMonnot. Preuss quickly went to JeanMonnot, who had caught a duel for the top position, was looking for the dialogue with her, the two hugged in the pronunciation. The fair behavior of Prussia after the tight struggle for the large crystal ball made an impression.
Franziska Preuß comforted Lou JeanMonnot at the finish line
“This is a moment for biathlon history”
“This is the biggest gesture of Preuss. She does not cheer. She looks back to JeanMonnot. At that moment, the greatest moment of her career, that is compassionate. Great sport. Great sport. Great sport,” praised ARD presenter Michael Antwerpes in the broadcast: “This is a moment for the biathlon story, for sports history. We will still see this in many years.”
Expert Arnd Peiffer also showed himself moved: “You can see what Franzi Preuss is for an empathic person. She turns around, feels with her competitor. She doesn’t want to celebrate, asks her whether JeanMonnot is angry whether she did everything right,” said the ex-biathlete.
Prussia later confirmed this almost word-of-word at the ARD micro: “I asked her if it was an unfair situation and I told her to be honest. But she said from the start it was not unfair. Oh, it is really difficult.”
Fourcade praises the withdrawal of the France protest
Before Prussia was able to express himself, she had an even greater change of feelings. France initially took a protest against the racing rating – but then withdrew before the jury was able to make a decision.
This gesture also got a positive echo: “It was a great sign of class to withdraw the complaint after viewing the pictures,” said the former French top biathlete Martin Fourcade, who was on site in Oslo.
Prussia and JeanMonnot made no accusations and stood side by side in the finish area for minutes. Then we went on the round of honor in front of the main grandstand. Both with Preuss and JeanMonnot, tears flowed after races.