Julia Tannheimer: Rising Star in German Biathlon
Ulm, 16 January 2026 – Julia Tannheimer, born on 1 August 2005 in Ulm, Germany, emerged as one of the most promising young talents in biathlon. A five-time youth and junior world champion, she made her World Cup debut in 2024 and quickly established herself as a key figure in the German team, known for her exceptional skiing speed and growing shooting accuracy.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Julia Tannheimer began her biathlon journey at the age of 10 with the local club DAV Ulm. She progressed rapidly through the junior ranks, achieving significant success at international level. In 2022, she competed at the Youth World Championships in Soldier Hollow, finishing fifth in the individual, ninth in the sprint, and eighth in the pursuit. The following year, at the 2023 Youth World Championships in Shchuchinsk, she dominated, winning gold in the sprint, pursuit, and relay, alongside silver in the mixed relay.
Her junior career peaked in 2024 at the Junior World Championships in Otepää, where she secured gold in the individual and relay, plus silver in the sprint and mixed relay. Tannheimer also excelled in the IBU Cup, becoming the youngest winner of an individual event in 2023 at Sjusjøen. She made her World Cup debut in January 2024 in Ruhpolding, finishing 15th in the sprint without any shooting errors.
Key Facts and Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date and Place | 1 August 2005, Ulm, Germany |
| Height/Weight | 185 cm / Not specified |
| Club | DAV Ulm |
| World Cup Debut | January 2024, Ruhpolding (15th in sprint) |
| 2024/25 Season Highlights | 31st overall World Cup ranking; Relay win in Hochfilzen; World Championships: 33rd individual, 17th sprint, 24th pursuit, 15th mass start, 5th relay |
| Major Achievements | 5 gold medals at Junior World Championships; IBU Cup win in 2023; German Sprint Champion 2024 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Julia Tannheimer’s biggest achievements?
Julia Tannheimer won five gold medals across youth and junior world championships, including dominating performances in 2023 and 2024. She also secured her first World Cup relay victory in Hochfilzen in 2024 and represented Germany at the 2025 World Championships in Lenzerheide.
How did Julia Tannheimer qualify for the World Cup?
She qualified through strong performances in IBU Cup races and qualification events in Vuokatti in November 2024, earning a spot in the German World Cup team due to her impressive skiing times.
What challenges has she faced in her career?
As a young athlete balancing school and sport, Tannheimer prioritised her Abitur in 2024, leading to selective racing. She also dealt with illnesses, such as missing races in Antholz in 2025, but returned strongly.