Victory Warmed by Tears
Franziska Preuss did it. At 31, after a string of injuries, illnesses, and missed chances, she finally lifted the coveted Crystal Globe above her head. The season finale in Oslo turned into a true biathlon thriller: a mass start where the fate of the entire World Cup hung in the balance, keeping viewers on edge until the very last second.
The final chord — her victory. Preuss crossed the finish line first, leaving behind her main rival Lou Jeanmonnot, who finished third after a fateful fall just meters from the end.
Face to Face: A Ruthless Battle
This race wasn’t just about skiing and shooting. It was a duel of wills. Both athletes started side by side, shot in sync, and chased each other all the way to the end. Even the misses — one apiece during standing shooting — only added fuel to the fire. Neither wanted to back down. The final climb. The last reserves of strength. And then — Jeanmonnot fell. A bitter moment that decided it all. Preuss passed her and was the first to cross the finish line. But instead of erupting in celebration, she turned back, walked toward her rival, and embraced her. Not a trace of gloating. Only deep respect.
Triumph After a Long Road
For Preuss, this win isn’t just a title. It’s the crown jewel of a decade-long struggle — with injuries, with her body, with herself. Just a month ago, she claimed World Championship gold, and now — the overall World Cup. In one interview, Preuss simply said, “It was just madness.” And in those words lies the truth of a whole life.
