Para biathlon: “I’m having just as much fun today as when I started”, admits Anja Wicker
Anja Wicker has become one of the iconic faces of para biathlon. Paralympic champion in Sochi (Russia) in 2014, she hit the ground running on her international debut. More than ten years after that first feat, the German is still at the top of her sport with the same passion.
“This medal has shown me that I can do it. Before, I wasn’t sure I could compete with the best. Winning gold gave me the motivation to persevere and want more”, she told theIBU.
Winter 2024/2025 confirmed her status as a benchmark. Always a front-runner, the German won three medals at the World Championships in Pokljuka (Slovenia) and lifted a fifth Crystal Globe thanks to her impressive consistency.
“My aim was to have a good season and win medals at the world championships. But to finish on the podium in every race is simply incredible. Winning the crystal globe reminds me that I’ve worked hard and been the best all season.
The women’s field is growing with rivals such as Kendall Gretsch, the Chinese team, Korea’s Yunji Kim and the announced return ofOksana Masters. A prospect that motivates Anja Wicker.
“Next year’s competition will be incredibly tough, which is exciting. I can’t wait to measure myself against the best at the Milan/Cortina Games. The key to her success? Unwavering consistency: “I’ve always been a consistent athlete. There are ups and downs, but I’ve managed to stay strong, both on the track and on the shooting range. That’s the key to my success.
Backed by a solid structure in Germany, where para biathlon enjoys a high profile and substantial federal funding, Anja Wicker can look to the future with confidence. And while the Milan/Cortina 2026 deadline is looming, she refuses to see it as the end of her career.
“I’m having just as much fun today as I did when I started out. I don’t think that Cortina will mark the end of my career. I think I’ll continue for at least a few more years.
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