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Janina Hettich Walz, future mom
Ranked 10th overall in the World Cup last season, Janina Hettich Walz, 28, will put her career on hold in the coming weeks.
The German, who is still cautiously continuing to train, will soon become a mother for the first time and she wants to live this experience as best as possible.
I am in constant communication with coaches and doctors and we discuss the most important processes. They’re really jumping into this new situation and we’re trying to find the best solution for me and the child.
The focus is clearly on listening to my body and aligning the training accordingly,” Janina Hettich Walz explains to Chiemgau24.
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Become a model mother
A champion who becomes a mother before returning to competition is not a first in high-level sport.
There are many examples in Russia, because women marry very young and we have also seen it here, in biathlon, with Justine Braisaz Bouchet and Anais Chevalier Bouchet.
On the other hand, within German winter sports, examples are much rarer.
In German biathlon, there have been no recent cases of an active female athlete taking a maternity break and then wanting to return to competitive sport.
It was not my initial idea but I am aware that I can show other athletes and the younger generation that family and professional sport in biathlon can be compatible as a woman.
In principle, I would like to play a pioneering role and show that it is possible. Athletes like Justine Braisaz-Bouchet and others have shown that it is possible. It gives me confidence that I can do it too.
I am in contact with Denise Herrmann-Wick (became a mother after her career), but not with Justine or other colleagues. I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself by listening to other biathlete moms’ approaches and constantly trying to compare myself to them.
I have to listen to my body and I want to find my own way.”
Janina Hettich Walz, if all goes well with the arrival of her first child, plans to return to the national team in June 2025.
I achieved many sporting goals last winter and I would like to improve my level further.
The Olympics play an important role in this and I would love to be there. But now private goals come to the fore. I’ve always wanted to start a family and I’m looking forward to it.” she concludes.
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