Biathlon: ZDF sets successor plan after Laura Dahlmeier’s death

Germany’s public broadcaster ZDF has set its biathlon coverage plan following the tragic death of Laura Dahlmeier this summer. Rather than appointing a direct replacement, ZDF has named Denise Herrmann-Wick as the sole biathlon expert on its broadcasts. Herrmann-Wick had shared the expert role with Dahlmeier last season.

In a press release, ZDF listed Herrmann-Wick as the only expert for biathlon, while the rest of the on-air team remains unchanged: Sven Fischer and Volker Grube will continue as commentators, and Alexander Ruda will host. ZDF sports chief Yorck Polus honored Dahlmeier as “an exceptional athlete who always sought new paths beyond elite sport,” noting how she brought biathlon closer to viewers with knowledge and authenticity.

Dahlmeier, a multiple Olympic champion and world champion, transitioned to television after her successful career and was a key part of ZDF’s biathlon coverage. She died in a mountaineering accident in Pakistan at the end of July. ZDF’s first broadcasts of the new season are scheduled for December 2–7 from the Biathlon World Cup stop in Östersund.