The rising German star has quickly made her mark in the biathlon world, navigating the challenges of transitioning to the World Cup with determination and resilience. In our recent interview, she reflects on her growth, key lessons learned, and the highs and lows of her journey. From her first World Cup victory to her ambitions for the upcoming Olympic season, Grotian shares what drives her both on and off the tracks.

Biathlonworld: Looking back at the past two seasons, how do you feel you’ve grown as a biathlete since our last interview in 2022?

Selina Grotian: It was really tough at the beginning—I thought stepping into the World Cup would be easier. The competition is incredibly intense, and mentally, the season is a real challenge. The training load is high, and it’s tough on the body as well. But I’ve managed to adapt, and now I truly feel like I belong in the World Cup. One of the biggest differences compared to the IBU Cup is that to be at the front, you need a near-perfect race—clean shooting and very fast skiing. The level of the athletes in the World Cup is so high, and the skiing, in particular, is much more demanding.

BW: Would you say you have also grown as a biathlete in terms of mindset and experience?

SG: I’ve always been a very calm person, and that hasn’t changed. What has changed is that I’ve learned to listen to my body better. I now know when I need to take a step back, and I’ve gained a lot of experience managing my health. It wasn’t always easy, but over the past two years, I’ve learned to understand what my body needs and how to take care of it properly.

BW: What has been the most challenging moment of your career so far, and how did you overcome it?

SG: One difficult moment was being sent back to the IBU Cup last season. When I got the news, I was really disappointed, but I managed to move on from those negative thoughts quickly. It turned out to be the right decision because I came back stronger, and my fourth place at the World Championships later that season was proof of that. Another big challenge for me was nutrition. I made the mistake of cutting out too many carbs, which really affected my body. I was constantly hungry and low on energy. I’ve since learned how important it is to fuel properly, and that experience has helped me a lot.

BW: Can you share a specific race or achievement from this season that you’re particularly proud of?

SG: There are two highlights for me. Winning the silver medal in the Mixed Relay at the World Championships was an incredible experience—I didn’t expect us to achieve that. And, of course, my first World Cup victory in Le Grand-Bornand. That was a crazy moment, but it didn’t feel real at first. Most of my teammates had already left, and the atmosphere was quiet, so I didn’t immediately process what had happened. With the heavy snowfall, I was just relieved to finish the race. But looking back, it was an amazing achievement, and I’m really proud of it.

BW: As a key member of the German team, how would you describe the team spirit, especially with a mix of experienced leader and younger athletes?

SG: Our team has a great mix of experience and youth. Franzi brings so much knowledge and always has ideas on how we can improve—she’s very involved and helps guide the team. The younger athletes bring a fresh, more relaxed energy, which balances things out. It’s a good mix, and I think we push each other to be better.

BW: With the upcoming Olympic season ahead, what are your main goals for next year, and is there something specific you’re focusing on improving?

SG: There’s still a lot to improve before the Olympics, especially in shooting. I plan to get a new rifle and work on my prone position to make it more stable and efficient. My biggest goal is simply to qualify for the Olympics—it’s been a dream of mine since childhood. If I can make that happen, I’ll be incredibly happy.

BW: Outside of biathlon, what keeps you motivated and balanced during the long season?

SG: Coming home always motivates me. I love my hometown, my apartment, cooking, and spending time with my dog and my family. Those little things help me recharge and keep me grounded during the season.

Photos: IBU Photopool