Biathlete Franziska Preuß tests positive for COVID-19, doubtful for Hochfilzen World Cup

Biathlon world champion Franziska Preuß is in doubt for the second World Cup stop in Hochfilzen, Austria, after testing positive for COVID-19. The 31‑year‑old wrote on Instagram that she was hit by both influenza and coronavirus last week, adding that she feels better but needs to wait and recover her energy.

Preuß had already struggled at the World Cup opener in Östersund, Sweden—Germany’s women finished 11th in the relay after a penalty loop, and she placed 29th in the individual. She then skipped the sprint and, consequently, the pursuit due to a sore throat and poor form. The diagnosis explains her unexpected weakness at the start of the Olympic winter.

After sinus surgery, Preuß enjoyed an optimal previous season highlighted by four World Championship medals. The Hochfilzen round is scheduled to begin on Friday with the sprint, while the season’s major target is the Olympic biathlon races in Antholz, Italy.