Danilo Riethmüller: Germany’s Biathlon Talent Shines in 2025 Season
Oberhof, 15 January 2026 – Danilo Riethmüller, the 26-year-old German biathlete from Hasselfelde in the Harz region, has emerged as a key figure in the national team following a breakthrough season in 2024-2025. Known for his strong skiing and shooting accuracy, Riethmüller secured his first World Cup podium with a second place in the mass start at Annecy-Le Grand Bornand and contributed to Germany’s bronze medal in the men’s relay at the World Championships in Lenzerheide.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Riethmüller began his biathlon journey at the age of 11 with the local ski club in Hasselfelde, transitioning to the sport in 2011. He joined the Skiinternat Harz in Clausthal-Zellerfeld and has since competed for WSV Clausthal-Zellerfeld. After completing his secondary education, he trained as a police officer in the Federal Police’s elite sports programme, qualifying as a police master in 2017. He has lived in Oberhof since then, training at the local Olympic training centre under coaches Jens Filbrich, Erik Lesser, and Marko Danz.
From a young age, Riethmüller dominated youth competitions. He won the air rifle school cup in 2014 and the Germany Cup overall in the 16-year-old category in 2014-2015. His international debut came at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, where he earned silver in the mixed relay and placed in the top 10 in individual events. He continued to excel at junior levels, winning multiple medals at the Junior World Championships, including gold in the pursuit in 2020.
Breakthrough in Senior Biathlon
After early senior appearances in 2019, Riethmüller’s career faced challenges, leading to a demotion to the development squad in 2023-2024. However, a significant weight loss of 11 kg and improved running performance saw him qualify for the IBU Cup. He won his first IBU Cup race in the mass start in Ridnaun in 2024 and debuted in the World Cup that January, finishing seventh in the shortened individual in Antholz.
In the 2024-2025 season, Riethmüller secured a permanent spot in the World Cup team. He placed fourth in the mixed relay in Kontiolahti and achieved his first podium in the mass start in Annecy-Le Grand Bornand. At the World Championships in Lenzerheide, he helped Germany to a bronze in the men’s relay. His performances have earned him a ranking of 26th in the overall World Cup standings for 2024-2025.
Key Facts / Stats
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| World Cup Debut | January 2024, 7th in shortened individual, Antholz |
| First World Cup Podium | December 2024, 2nd in mass start, Annecy-Le Grand Bornand |
| World Championships Medal | 2025, Bronze in men’s relay, Lenzerheide |
| IBU Cup Victories | 1 (Mass start, Ridnaun 2024) |
| Overall World Cup Ranking | 26th (2024-2025 season) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Danilo Riethmüller’s background?
Riethmüller was born on 13 November 1999 in Blankenburg and hails from Hasselfelde in the Harz mountains. He started skiing at a young age and switched to biathlon at 11. He completed training with the Federal Police and now balances his career as a police officer with elite sports.
What are his sponsors and equipment?
Riethmüller is sponsored by Roeckl, Adidas, Leki, Anschütz, and Fischer. He uses Fischer skis and boots, Leki poles, Oakley goggles, and Roeckl gloves.
What challenges has he overcome?
After early promise, Riethmüller faced a dip in form, leading to demotion. A lifestyle change, including weight loss, revitalised his career, allowing him to return to top-level competition.