The state of health of mass start world champion Simon Schempp (Uhingen) gives just three weeks before the start of the Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang (9th place). till 25. February) further puzzles.
On Saturday, the 29-year-old decided not to participate in the pursuit race at the Biathlon World Cup in Antholz due to persistent back problems (from 15.00 in the LIVETICKER). This was confirmed by DSV. A start in the mass start on Sunday was still open.
Already at the first World Cup of the year in Oberhof, Schempp decided to give up the hunting race after the sprint because of muscular problems, which radiate into the thigh. In the following week, however, the Swabian went through all the races in Ruhpolding, Schempp also expressed his optimism before the first competition in South Tyrol.
However, doubts about his assessment were nourished by the sprint on Friday, in which Schempp only won the 20th place. At the beginning I felt very good, then I had to struggle with my back quite a bit. After one and a half laps, it was really getting going. I didn’t feel so sure when I was shooting standing up,”said Schempp.
Only with a view to the highlight of the season in South Korea, the twelve-time World Cup winner did not (yet) worry:”I feel quite good in terms of physical condition and strength. If I get the problems under control, I’m confident,”he said.