Father and daughter, coach and athlete: the story of Hannah and Armin Auchentaller

In the beautiful setting of Anterselva the language of biathlon is also the language of family. At the Milano Cortina 2026 Games Hannah and Armin Auchentaller are living a unique experience: she racing on the course for Italy, he at the shooting range as head coach of the United States team. Father and daughter, side by side at the same home Olympics, but on opposing fronts.

For the family originally from Anterselva it is a dream come true in the place where everything began. “This is where I grew up and learned to ski,” Hannah says on a sunny day in Anterselva. “I’m so happy to be here, it’s a dream come true. I’m trying to enjoy every moment, every second.” For Armin the circle is closing. “Seeing the Winter Olympics here gives me enormous satisfaction. It was a dream kept in a drawer. The circle started with my father, who worked on the construction of this venue. I continued here first as an athlete and then as a coach in many roles. Now my daughter is racing on this track. The emotions of these Olympics I will carry with me for another 50 years.”

What makes it even more special is the familial bond, even if at the start of each race they technically become rivals. “He’s not an extra coach for me, he’s my dad, and that’s right,” Hannah explains. “It’s important to have family beside you, not another coach. Some emotions are better shared with family, not with the coach. It’s right to keep the roles clearly separated.” “I keep them very clearly distinct,” Armin adds. “Here I am the coach of my team. If Hannah asks me for advice, I can give it as a technician. But when we’re together, I’m her father, not her coach.” Armin’s influence remains fundamental in Hannah’s sporting and personal development. “He’s had an enormous impact on me as a biathlete and as a person. The qualities that make him a great coach are the same he has in life: he’s kind but ambitious. There are many things I admire about him.” The final compliment is mutual. “The most beautiful thing about Hannah is that she is always herself: sincere, honest, with great interpersonal skills,” says Armin. Hannah closes simply: “I love our little rituals and the time we spend together. And the fact that he appreciates me just for who I am.”

Anterselva embraces the Auchentaller family at the same Olympics but on opposite fronts: Hannah on the track for Italy and Armin on the range as the US team coach. The piece also links to related biathlon videos and coverage from the Games.