Login
Stores
Cart
Actually, we wanted to give you an insight into the beauty of the cross-country trails around Wallgau. Show you how the ‘Werdenfelser Land’ turns into an almost endless paradise for classic and skating skiers in winter. Biathlon Olympic Champion Magdalena Neuner was our guide and together we discovered the winterwonderland. Look at those beautiful photos:
But after some minutes of talking we realized quickly that there are much more topics than sports that are close to Magdalenas heart as a mother and a role model now. With this interview we want to give you a litte insight into her different but still exciting life.
Magdalena, what is your daily routine since the end of your career as a biathlete?
In the morning I get up early and prepare my kids lunchboxes and backpacks for the kindergarten. Then I realize that I’m running out of time, so I wake up the children, have breakfast with them and take them to the kindergarten. After that I do some business stuff, which means checking my mails, make phone calls, coordinate my interview appointments. And by the way, I’m preparing lunch again. At twelve I pick up the kids and then we have lunch together. My husband also comes home from work and eats with us. That’s really important to me. The afternoon is for the kids again.
What does business mean?
Well, actually I’m still Magdalena Neuner, the biathlete. I work with sponsors, do advertising for TV and print, I attend customer events for my partners, so called “meet and greats” and have many requests for lectures or talks. I work as an expert for the ARD (german TV channel) and visit shows like ‘Lanz’ or quiz shows. In addition, I am involved in charity projects. ‘The Irmengardhof’ at lake Chiemsee is especially close to my heart. The farm belongs to the Berlin based Björn Schultz Foundation. The foundation looks after families who have seriously ill children. In Berlin, this support takes place in a children’s hospice. Our project is a different one, we have the after-care and recreation house, where the families can go on vacation. As a patron it is my job to make the project known. You can say I’m the “face” of the farm.
You have won all the big titles in biathlon. Which one was the most important one to you?
That’s actually why I stopped biathlon when I was 25. I did not know what comes next after so many great titles. But the Olympic victory was certainly my best experience. I already had this wish when I was eleven years old. In 1998 I was allowed the see the Olympic Games and Uschi Diesel won at that time. I said to my mum, ‘Mum, I want win a medal at the Olympics, too.’ So I started to do biathlon when I was nine years old and already at the age of 16 I was part of the German national team.
Do you feel like you’ve missed something in your youth?
No, I think that I benefited greatly from my sport. Of course, I also made some party but you should be aware of being tired in training the next day. It was much more exhausting than normally. Looking back, I’m glad I always knew where I wanted to go thanks to the biathlon. That was a full-time job with one and a half to two days a week off, as it applies to every working person.
If you’re on the road now, do people recognize you?
Yes, but that makes me happy too. Recently I was in the subway because I did not want to go to the city center by car. A woman recognized me and we started talking. It was a really nice talk, she took a picture and got an autograph.
So do you prefer public transportation instead of driving by car? Is sustainability a big topic to you?
Especially when you have children, you start thinking about it. We have to preserve and protect resources for subsequent generations. Of course, you ask yourself, what does our world look like when our children are 30 or 40? What does our forest look like, what about the drinking water? It’s also about the little steps. For example, I don’t fly anymore, I try to do everything by train and I think it’s really relaxed.
I think everyone can do something for the environment – we just have to raise the environmental awareness of us all.
Do something good!
The Björn Schulz Foundation supports families with life-shortening ill children. It allows families to spend the remaining time together. The Irmengard-Hof at lake Chiemsee is a home for families with seriously ill children. In addition, the foundation has taken over a historic three-way farm in Erbpacht. Magdalena wants to reach and encourage affected families to become guests at Irmengardhof. The farm relies on donations and Magdalena hopes that there are always people who want to support this unique place.
You loved this blog post? What about these ones:
→ WIR DENKEN UM – the new label at Sport Conrad
→ Cross country skiing guide: Which Equipment do you need for Skating?
→ Cross country skiing guide: Which Equipment do you need for Classic?
Photos: ©Anton Brey