Background
Magdalena Neuner was born on February 9, 1987 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany. She is a daughter of Paul Neuner, a bank clerck, and Margit Neuner. Magdalena has three siblings, one elder and three younger.
2007
Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia
(From left to right) Andrea Henkel of Germany takes 2nd place, Magdalena Neuner takes 1st place and Anna Carin Olofsson (by marriage Zidek) of Sweden takes 3rd place during the IBU Biathlon World Cup Finals women's sprint event, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. Photo by Agence Zoom.
2010
Whistler Olympic Park, Whistler, Canada
Magdalena Neuner (right)and Anastazia Kuzmina of Slovakia on their way to a gold medal and silver medals, respectively, in the women's 10 km pursuit of the Vancouver Winter Olympics at Whistler Olympic Park Biathlon Stadium, Whistler, Canada. Photo by Al Bello.
2010
Whistler Olympic Park, Cross-Country Stadium, Whistler, Canada
Magdalena Neuner skies to the finish to claim gold in the women's biathlon 12.5 km mass start of the Vancouver Winter Olympics at Whistler Olympic Park Cross-Country Stadium, Canada. Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts.
2010
Whistler Olympic Park, Cross-Country Stadium, Whistler, Canada
(From left to right) Olga Zaitseva of Russia celebrates winning silver, Magdalena Neunercelebrates winning gold and Simone Hauswald of Germany celebrates winning bronze during the flower ceremony for the women's 12.5 km mass start of the Vancouver Winter Olympics at Whistler Olympic Park Cross-Country Stadium, Whistler, Canada. Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts.
2010
Whistler, Canada
(From left to right) Magdalena Neuner (silver medalist), Anastazia Kuzmina (gold medalist) of Slovakia and Marie Dorin (bronze medalist) of France pose for the cameras following the women's biathlon 7.5 km sprint on day 2 of the Vancouver Winter Olympics at Whistler Olympic Park Biathlon Stadium, Whistler, Canada. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2011
Sportivnaya st., 24, Khanty-Mansiysk, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District, Russia, 628002
Magdalena Neuner celebrates winning the gold medal at the finish area of the women's relay during the IBU Biathlon World Championships at A.V. Philipenko winter sports centre, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2011
Sportivnaya st., 24, Khanty-Mansiysk, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District, Russia, 628002
Magdalena Neuner (left) leaves the shooting range after her last shooting at the women's relay during the IBU Biathlon World Championships at A.V. Philipenko winter sports centre, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2010
Whistler Olympic Park, Whistler, Canada
Magdalena Neuner celebrates after she won the silver medal during the women's 7.5 km sprint of the Vancouver Winter Olympics at Whistler Olympic Park Biathlon Stadium, Whistler, Canada. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2010
Ingolstadt, Germany
Athletes of the German Ski Federation (DSV) pose after they received the Golden Ski award given from DSV in Ingolstadt, Germany. Top (from left to right) the then DSV general secretary Thomas Pfueller, alpine skier Felix Neureuther, biathlete Arnd Peiffer, cross country skier Axel Teichmann, ski crosser Simon Stickl, ski jumper Michael Uhrmann, the then DSV alpine sports director Wolfgang Maier, the then DSV president Alfons Hoermann; bottom (from left to right) alpine skier Maria Riesch, biathlete Magdalena Neuner, cross country skier Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle and nordic combined skier Eric Frenzel. Photo by Alexandra Beier/Bongarts.
2010
Spreeweg 1, 10557 Berlin, Germany
The then German President Horst Koehler (right) and the then German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (left) pose with Magdalena Neuner at the Silbernes Lorbeerblatt Award (Silver Laurel Leaf) at Bellevue palace, Berlin, Germany. Photo by Boris Streubel/Bongarts.
2012
Hauptstraße 60, 83324 Ruhpolding, Germany
(From left to right) Tina Bachmann, Magdalena Neuner, Miriam Goessner and Andrea Henkel celebrate their gold medal for the women's 4x6 km relay during the IBU Biathlon World Championships at Champions Park, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts.
2012
Ruhpolding, Germany
(From left to right) Arnd Peiffer, Magdalena Neuner, Andrea Henkel and Andreas Birnbacher celebrate winning the bronze medal at the medal ceremony for the IBU Biathlon World Championships mixed relay, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2006
Presque Isle, United States
Magdalena Neuner celebrates winning the Junior Women 10 km pursuit at the Biathlon Youth/Junior World Championships in Presque Isle. Photo by Herb Swanson/Portland Press Herald.
2006
Presque Isle, United States
Marion Blondeau of France (staying) jokes with Magdalena Neuner after finishing the Junior Women 7.5 km Sprint at the Biathlon Youth/Junior World Championships in Presque Isle, United States. Photo by Herb Swanson/Portland Press Herald.
2006
Ruhpolding, Germany
Magdalena Neuner competes during the womenэs 7.5 km sprint of the Biathlon World Cup, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Sandra Behne/Bongarts.
2006
Herzogenaurach, Germany
Magdalena Neuner poses during the DSV German Ski Association photocall, Herzogenaurach, Germany. Photo by Thomas Langer/Bongarts.
2006
Hochfilzen, Austria
(From left to right) Kati Wilhelm, Magdalena Neuner, Andrea Henkel and Martina Glagow of Germany celebrate their 2nd place during the IBU Biathlon World Cup women's relay, Hochfilzen, Austria. Photo by Agence Zoom.
2006
Rudi-Assauer-Platz 1, 45891 Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Magdalena Neuner skies next to Anna Bogaliy-Titovets of Russia during the Veltins Biathlon World Team Challenge at the Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts.
2007
Anterselva, Italy.
Magdalena Neuner poses with her two gold medals during a photocall in the Biathlon World Championships, Anterselva, Italy. Photo by Sandra Behne/Bongarts.
2007
Anterselva, Italy
Fans hold up letters of Magdalena Neuner's nickname Lena during the women's 7.5 km sprint in the Biathlon World Championships, Anterselva, Italy. Photo by Sandra Behne/Bongarts.
2007
Anterselva, Italy
Magdalena Neuner competes during the women's 7.5 km sprint in the Biathlon World Championships, Anterselva, Italy. Photo by Sandra Behne/Bongarts.
2007
Anterselva, Italy
Magdalena Neuner gestures during the shooting warm up prior to the women's 10 km pursuit in the Biathlon World Championships, Anterselva, Italy. Photo by Sandra Behne/Bongarts.
2007
Anterselva, Italy
Magdalena Neuner plays with Rocky the dog during a photocall for the Biathlon World Championships, Anterselva, Italy. Photo by Sandra Behne/Bongarts.
2007
Anterselva, Italy
Magdalena Neuner poses during a photocall in the Biathlon World Championships, Anterselva, Italy. Photo by Sandra Behne/Bongarts.
2007
Anterselva, Italy
Magdalena Neuner in action during the IBU Biathlon World Championships relay, Anterselva, Italy. Photo by Agence Zoom.
2007
Antholz, Italy
Magdalena Neuner celebrates taking the gold medal in the IBU Biathlon World Championships sprint 7.5 km event, Antholz, Italy. Photo by Agence Zoom.
2007
Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia
Magdalena Neuner on her way to the 1st place during the IBU Biathlon World Cup Finals women's sprint event in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. Photo by Agence Zoom.
2007
Anterselva, Italy
Magdalena Neuner presents her gold medal winning the women's 7.5 km sprint in the Biathlon World Championships, Anterselva, Italy. Photo by Sandra Behne/Bongarts.
2007
Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia
(From left to right) Andrea Henkel of Germany takes 2nd place, Magdalena Neuner takes 1st place and Anna Carin Olofsson (by marriage Zidek) of Sweden takes 3rd place during the IBU Biathlon World Cup Finals women's sprint event, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. Photo by Agence Zoom.
2007
Ruhpolding, Germany
(From left to right) Anna Carin Oloffson (left, by marriage Zidek) of Sweden, Magdalena Neuner and Kati Wilhelm of Germany shoot during the women's 12.5 km mass start in the Biathlon World Cup, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Sandra Behne/Bongarts.
2007
Antholz, Italy
Magdalena Neuner and Anna Carin Olofsson (by marriage Zidek) of Sweden compete in the IBU Biathlon World Championships Biathlon 10 km pursuit event, Antholz, Italy. Photo by Agence Zoom.
2007
Anterselva, Italy
Magdalena Neuner is carried by the official mascots Bumsi during a photocall in the Biathlon World Championships, Anterselva, Italy. Photo by Sandra Behne/Bongarts.
2007
Anterselva, Italy
Magdalena Neuner shoots during the training session in the Biathlon World Championships, Anterselva, Italy. Photo by Sandra Behne/Bongarts.
2007
Fuerteventura, Spain
Magdalena Neuner takes diving lessons at a holiday resort on the island of Fuerteventura, Spain. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2007
Fuerteventura, Spain
Magdalena Neuner takes diving lessons at a holiday resort on the island of Fuerteventura, Spain. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2007
Anterselva, Italy
Magdalena Neuner celebrates her gold at the women's 10 km pursuit in the Biathlon World Championships, Anterselva, Italy. Photo by Sandra Behne/Bongarts.
2007
Anterselva, Italy
Magdalena Neuner competes on her way to placing first in the IBU Biathlon World Championships 10 km pursuit, Antholz, Italy. Photo by Agence Zoom.
2007
Baden-Baden, Germany
Magdalena Neuner onstage with her first the Best Sportswoman of the Year award at the Kurhaus Casino, Baden-Baden, Germany. Photo by Patrik Stollarz/Bongarts.
2008
Ostersund, Sweden
(From left to right) Michael Greis, Andreas Birnbacher, Magdalena Neuner and Sabrina Buchholz present their gold medals after winning the mixed 2x6 km and 2x7.5 km relay of the IBU Biathlon World Championships, Ostersund, Sweden. Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts.
2008
Ostersund, Sweden
(From left to right) Ekaterina Iourieva of Russia shows her bronze medal, Magdalena Neuner shows her gold medal and Tora Berger of Norway shows her silver medal after the women's 12.5 km mass start of the IBU Biathlon World Championships, Ostersund, Sweden. Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts.
2008
Ostersund, Sweden
Magdalena Neuner skates during the women's 10 km pursuit of the IBU Biathlon World Championships, Ostersund, Sweden. Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts.
2008
Ostersund, Sweden
Magdalena Neuner drinks during the training session of the IBU Biathlon World Championships, Ostersund, Sweden. Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts.
2008
Ostersund, Sweden
Magdalena Neuner breathes during the training session of the IBU Biathlon World Championships, Ostersund, Sweden. Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts.
2008
Ostersund, Sweden
Magdalena Neuner watches through the glasses during the training session of the IBU Biathlon World Championships, Ostersund, Sweden. Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts.
2008
Ruhpolding, Germany
Magdalena Neuner presents the Junior Athlete of the Year award of the Deutsche Sporthilfe before the men 10 km sprint competition of the IBU Biathlon World Cup, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts.
2009
Pyeongchang, South Korea
Magdalena Neuner with her silver relay medal of the IBU Biathlon World Championships in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Photo by Sampics/Corbis.
2009
Pyeonchang, South Korea
Magdalena Neuner gestures prior to the women's 7.5 km sprint of the IBU Biathlon World Campionships, Pyeonchang, South Korea. Photo by Martin Rose.
2009
Pyeonchang, South Korea
Magdalena Neuner (left) in action during the women's 10 km pusuit of the IBU Biathlon World Championships, Pyeongchang, South Korea. Photo by Martin Rose.
2009
Pyeonchang, South Korea
(From left to right) Kati Wilhelm, Martina Beck, Andrea Henkel and Magdalena Neuner pose after the women's 4x6 km relay of the IBU Biathlon World Championships, Pyeongchang, South Korea. Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts.
2009
Pyeongchang, South Korea
Magdalena Neuner competes in the IBU Biathlon World Championships sprint in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Photo by Sampics.
2009
Ruhpolding, Germany
Magdalena Neuner on her way to win the women's pursuit event of the IBU Biathlon World Cup, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2009
Ruhpolding, Germany
Magdalena Neuner takes 1st place during the IBU Biathlon World Cup women's pursuit, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Agence Zoom.
2009
Olympiaring 3, 91074 Herzogenaurach, Germany
Magdalena Neuner attends a press conference at the German athlete Winter kit preview at the Adidas Brand Center, Herzogenaurach, Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2010
Canada
Magdalena Neuner showing her gold medal for 12.5 km pursuit at the award ceremony of the Vancouver Winter Olympics, Canada. Photo by sampics/Corbis.
2010
Whistler, Canada
Magdalena Neuner celebrates after her victories in the women's 12.5 km mass start of the Vancouver Winter Olympics at the German Haus, Whistler, Canada. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2010
Magdalena Neuner with her 3 Olympic medals, 2 golds and 1 silver, won at the Vancouver Winter Olympics, Canada. Photo by sampics/Corbis.
2010
Whistler Olympic Park, Whistler, Canada
Magdalena Neuner shoots on her way to winning the gold medal in the women's 10 km pursuit of the Vancouver Winter Olympics at Whistler Olympic Park Biathlon Stadium, Whistler, Canada. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2010
Whistler Olympic Park, Whistler, Canada
Magdalena Neuner (right)and Anastazia Kuzmina of Slovakia on their way to a gold medal and silver medals, respectively, in the women's 10 km pursuit of the Vancouver Winter Olympics at Whistler Olympic Park Biathlon Stadium, Whistler, Canada. Photo by Al Bello.
2010
Whistler Olympic Park, Cross-Country Stadium, Whistler, Canada
Magdalena Neuner skies to the finish to claim gold in the women's biathlon 12.5 km mass start of the Vancouver Winter Olympics at Whistler Olympic Park Cross-Country Stadium, Canada. Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts.
2010
Whistler Olympic Park, Cross-Country Stadium, Whistler, Canada
(From left to right) Olga Zaitseva of Russia celebrates winning silver, Magdalena Neunercelebrates winning gold and Simone Hauswald of Germany celebrates winning bronze during the flower ceremony for the women's 12.5 km mass start of the Vancouver Winter Olympics at Whistler Olympic Park Cross-Country Stadium, Whistler, Canada. Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts.
2010
Whistler Olympic Park, Whistler, Canada
Magdalena Neuner celebrates after she won the silver medal during the women's 7.5 km sprint of the Vancouver Winter Olympics at Whistler Olympic Park Biathlon Stadium, Whistler, Canada. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2010
Whistler Olympic Park, Whistler, Canada
Magadalena Neuner on her way to a silver medal in the women's 7.5 km sprint of the Vancouver Winter Olympics at Whistler Olympic Park Biathlon Stadium, Whistler, Canada. Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis.
2010
Whistler, Canada
Magdalena Neuner attends a press conference at the Deutschen Haus, Whistler, Canada. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2010
Whistler Olympic Park, Whistler, Canada
Magdalena Neuner powers towards the finish line during the women's Biathlon 7.5 km sprint on day 2 of the Vancouver Winter Olympics at Whistler Olympic Park Biathlon Stadium, Canada. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2010
Whistler, Canada
(From left to right) Magdalena Neuner (silver medalist), Anastazia Kuzmina (gold medalist) of Slovakia and Marie Dorin (bronze medalist) of France pose for the cameras following the women's biathlon 7.5 km sprint on day 2 of the Vancouver Winter Olympics at Whistler Olympic Park Biathlon Stadium, Whistler, Canada. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2010
Whistler Olympic Park Biathlon Stadium, Whistler, Canada
Magdalena Neuner competes in the women's biathlon 7.5 km sprint on day 2 of the Vancouver Winter Olympics at Whistler Olympic Park Biathlon Stadium, Canada. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2010
Whistler, Canada
Magdalena Neuner jokes with a red nose after a press conference at the Deutschen Haus in Whistler, Canada. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2010
Whistler, Canada
Magdalena Neuner at the shooting range during the women's biathlon practice held at Whistler Olympic Park ahead of the Vancouver Winter Olympics, Whistler, Canada. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2010
Whistler, Canada
Magdalena Neuner poses during a press conference at the Deutschen Haus in Whistler, Canada. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2010
Ingolstadt, Germany
Athletes of the German Ski Federation (DSV) pose after they received the Golden Ski award given from DSV in Ingolstadt, Germany. Top (from left to right) the then DSV general secretary Thomas Pfueller, alpine skier Felix Neureuther, biathlete Arnd Peiffer, cross country skier Axel Teichmann, ski crosser Simon Stickl, ski jumper Michael Uhrmann, the then DSV alpine sports director Wolfgang Maier, the then DSV president Alfons Hoermann; bottom (from left to right) alpine skier Maria Riesch, biathlete Magdalena Neuner, cross country skier Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle and nordic combined skier Eric Frenzel. Photo by Alexandra Beier/Bongarts.
2010
Spreeweg 1, 10557 Berlin, Germany
The then German President Horst Koehler (right) and the then German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (left) pose with Magdalena Neuner at the Silbernes Lorbeerblatt Award (Silver Laurel Leaf) at Bellevue palace, Berlin, Germany. Photo by Boris Streubel/Bongarts.
2010
Kaiserallee 1, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany
Magdalena Neuner poses after being awarded second place during the Athlete of the Year gala at the Kurhaus Baden-Baden, Baden Baden, Germany. Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts.
2011
Sportivnaya st., 24, Khanty-Mansiysk, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District, Russia, 628002
Magdalena Neuner poses with her gold medal for the women's 7.5 km sprint, silver medal won at the mixed relay and silver medal won at the 10km pursuit during the IBU Biathlon World Championships at A.V. Philipenko winter sports centre, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2011
Sportivnaya st., 24, Khanty-Mansiysk, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District, Russia, 628002
Magdalena Neuner celebrates winning the gold medal at the finish area of the women's relay during the IBU Biathlon World Championships at A.V. Philipenko winter sports centre, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2011
Sportivnaya st., 24, Khanty-Mansiysk, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District, Russia, 628002
Magdalena Neuner (left) leaves the shooting range after her last shooting at the women's relay during the IBU Biathlon World Championships at A.V. Philipenko winter sports centre, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2011
Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia
Magdalena Neuner takes 1st place during the IBU Biathlon World Championships women's 4x6 km relay, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. Photo by Christophe Pallot.
2011
Sportivnaya st., 24, Khanty-Mansiysk, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District, Russia, 628002
Magdalena Neuner smiles during a training session at A.V. Philipenko winter sports centre in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2012
Hauptstraße 60, 83324 Ruhpolding, Germany
Magdalena Neuner (right) celebrates with her parents Paul Neuner and Margit Neuner (left) winning the gold medal for the women's 4x6 km relay after the medal ceremony for the IBU Biathlon World Championships at Champions Park, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2012
Hauptstraße 60, 83324 Ruhpolding, Germany
Paul Neuner and his wife Margit Neuner, parents of Magdalena Neuner, look on during medal ceremony for for the women's 4x6 km relay after the medal ceremony for the IBU Biathlon World Championships at Champions Park, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2012
Hauptstraße 60, 83324 Ruhpolding, Germany
(From left to right) Magdalena Neuner poses with her silver, Darya Domracheva of Belarus with her gold and Olga Vilukhina of Russia with her bronze for the women's 10 km pursuit during the IBU Biathlon World Championships at Champions Park, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2012
Hauptstraße 60, 83324 Ruhpolding, Germany
(From left to right) Tina Bachmann, Magdalena Neuner, Miriam Goessner and Andrea Henkel celebrate their gold medal for the women's 4x6 km relay during the IBU Biathlon World Championships at Champions Park, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts.
2012
Ruhpolding, Germany
(From left to right) Arnd Peiffer, Magdalena Neuner, Andrea Henkel and Andreas Birnbacher celebrate winning the bronze medal at the medal ceremony for the IBU Biathlon World Championships mixed relay, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2012
Ruhpolding, Germany
Magdalena Neuner passes the baton to her team mate Andreas Birnbacher during the IBU Biathlon World Championships mixed relay, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2012
Ruhpolding, Germany
Magdalena Neuner competes during the IBU Biathlon World Championships mixed relay, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts
2012
Ruhpolding, Germany
Magdalena Neuner prepares to shoot during the IBU Biathlon World Championships mixed relay, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts.
2012
Biathlonzentrum 1, 83324 Ruhpolding, Germany
Magdalena Neuner looks on during an offical training session at Chiemgau Arena, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts.
2012
Biathlonzentrum 1, 83324 Ruhpolding, Germany
Magdalena Neuner looks on during a press conference at Chiemgau Arena, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2012
Biathlonzentrum 1, 83324 Ruhpolding, Germany
Magdalena Neuner smiles during a press conference at Chiemgau Arena, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2012
Biathlonzentrum 1, 83324 Ruhpolding, Germany
Magdalena Neuner competes in the women's 10 km pursuit during the IBU Biathlon World Championships at Chiemgau Arena, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2012
Biathlonzentrum 1, 83324 Ruhpolding, Germany
Magdalena Neuner competes in the women's 10 km pursuit during the IBU Biathlon World Championships at Chiemgau Arena in Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2012
Biathlonzentrum 1, 83324 Ruhpolding, Germany
Magdalena Neuner competes in the women's 10 km pursuit during the IBU Biathlon World Championships at Chiemgau Arena, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2012
Biathlonzentrum 1, 83324 Ruhpolding, Germany
Magdalena Neuner enjoys a glass of Erdinger non alcoholic white beer with Werner Brombach, the then CEO of Erdinger Weissbier, after the medal ceremony for the women's 10 km pursuit during the IBU Biathlon World Championships at Chiemgau Arena, Ruhpolding, Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts.
2012
Kaiserallee 1, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany
Magdalena Neuner reacts after being awarded Female Athlete of the Year during a gala at the Kurhaus Baden-Baden, Baden-Baden, Germany. Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts.
2013
Am Staad, 40474 Düsseldorf, Germany
Magdalena Neuner passes a woolen to Michael Vesper, the then Germany Chef de Mission, during the German Olympic and Paralympic team kit presentation at Messe Duesseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany. Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts.
2016
Theresienwiese, Munich, Germany
Magdalena Neuner takes part in a shooting competition with former biathlon athlete Fritz Fischer during the BMW Wiesn Sport-Stammtisch at Kafers Wiesn Schaenke beer tent at Theresienwiese, Munich, Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein.
2016
Theresienwiese, Munich, Germany
Magdalena Neuner takes part in a shooting competition with former biathlon athlete Fritz Fischer (left) during the BMW Wiesn Sport-Stammtisch at Kafers Wiesn Schaenke beer tent at Theresienwiese, Munich, Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein.
2019
Magdalena Neuner at the 24th RTL Spendenmarathon We Help Children. Photo by Horst Galuschka/picture alliance.
The wedding photo of Magdalena Neuner and her husband Josef Holzer. Photo from the official website of Magdalena Neuner.
Magdalena Neuner in childhood.
Magdalena Neuner with her husband Josef Holzer and their child
Magdalena Neuner was born on February 9, 1987 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany. She is a daughter of Paul Neuner, a bank clerck, and Margit Neuner. Magdalena has three siblings, one elder and three younger.
Magdalena Neuner, raised in the small village of Wallgau, Bavaria, 15 km away from Garmisch-Partenkirchen where winter sports were a common free-time activity, began practicing alpine skiing at age four. A member of the local sport club, she tried her hand in other sports within the course of time. As to biathlon, the first try was dated to 1996. Bernhard Kröll was one of those who coached Lena at the time.
Competing in the biathlon Student's Cup of the German Ski Association (Deutscher Skiverband or DSV), Neuner collected 29 victories and was a favorite for a champion's title in her age group from 1999 to 2002. By the age of 16 when she finished a Garmisch-Partenkirchen high school, the strong passion for biathlon finally took firm shape. The girl decided to pursue her career in that sport. The parents didn't like a lot the fact but supported their daughter in her aspirations however.
The victories in the German Cup and the European Cup for Juniors qualified her for the first World Championships on a junior level. At that sport event held in Haute Maurienne, France in 2004, Magdalena triumphed in the sprint and relay, and finished second in pursuit. The next year, in Kontiolahti, the budding biathlete took the podium for the same disciplines, winning gold for sprint and silver medals for relay and pursuit. Already at the time, Neuner, still a junior athlete, was noticed by sponsors who offered her endorsement deals. The last medals at the World Junior Championships were won by Magdalena in 2008.
The start of Magdalena Neuner's professional career in biathlon can be counted from the season 2005/2006 when she debuted in the World Cup on a senior level. Included by the then Germany's women's national team coach Uwe Müßiggang in the reserve squad, Magdalena, still competing on the junior level at the time, had the opportunity to show herself in the sprint instead of an injured teammate Uschi Disl. Unfortunately, she finished only 41st. At the next World Cup stage, however, in Kontiolahti, she rematched by placing fourth in sprint and ninth in mass start.
The real triumph occurred in 2007. A twenty-years-old biathlete, Magdalena added to her collection of medals the gold in sprint in a World Cup stage and three golds at the World Championship in Antholz-Anterselva, Italy. She was immidiately picked up as the athlete of the year in her homeland. Further, it was more. Following the 2007/2008 season, Magdalena topped the World Cup Overall. Her first big crystal globe was completed by a couple of small ones, for leading in the World Cup Overall rankings in sprint and mass start.
The instant popularity made the young and beautiful Magdalena being sought after by different sponsors and trademarks. Among others, Playboy magazine asked the Bavarian biathlete to pose nude for one of its issues. Neuner rejected the offer. Though, three years after, she was shot as a lingerie model for Mey. In total, following the year of 2007, Neuner gained a sizable raise to her income from sport by taking part in various endorsement deals and sponsorship.
The 2008/2009 wasn't as rich in success as the previous one. She placed only fourth in the overall standings but earned, however, the small crystal globe for leading in the individual race overall rankings. Magdalena regained the status of the best overall after the 2010 World Championships in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, where she won mixed relay, the seventh World title. Two more small crystal globes, given to the German shooting star for placing 1st in overall pursuit and mass start rankings, were added to her collection as well following the season.
The Vancouver Winter Olympics was another bright moment in Magdalena's athletic career. At the major sport event of the four years, the first and last for her, she managed to earn two gold medals, in pursuit and mass start, and one silver for sprint, finishing behind Anastasiya Kuzmina of Slovakia. At the Olympics closing ceremony, Neuner was a flague bearer of the German national team.
By 2010/2011 season, Magdalena Neuner had won every biathlon title. It was nearly at that moment that the biathlete claimed the lack of motivation to pursue her way in the sport. Though, she remained for one more season which provided her with the World Championships bronze medal, for mixed relay, two gold medals, for sprint and relay, and a silver one for pursuit in which she was surpassed by Darya Domracheva of Belarus. Neuner won the third Overall World Cup title following her last season.
After such a prematury retirement from competitive biathlon, Neuner focused on her family life. Though, she didn't break with the sport completely and has tried herself as a TV presentator and commentator. Signing with Adidas, she reported at the Summer Olympic Games in London. Two years later, the famed Bavarian commented the events of the Sochi Winter Olympics. In 2015 and 2017, Neuner served as a biathlon expert for a Germany's broadcasting group ARD. As to the Pyeongchang Games, Magdalena was absent at the event as a commentator as she chose at that moment to spent more time with her children.
Magdalena Neuner regularly takes part in various partnership projects and sports events (as a media personality). In 2011, the former biathlete served as an ambassador for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany. Another activity linked directly to her athletic past was her membership of the 2018 Munich Olympic bid committee. Neuner has cooperated with such worldwide known trademarks as BMW and Adidas.
Magdalena Neuner has roundly condemned any possible facts of using various stimulant drugs by her sport competitors. After the big doping scandal related to the results of the Russian athletes at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, the shooting star insisted on the severe punishment for all athletes who were caught on doping. She commended the possibility, given to "fair" athletes of Russian team, of competing under a neutral flag.
Neuner is actively involved in many charities aimed to support sports and the families with gravely ill or handicapped children. She helpes them financially, curates a school in German Oberding and regularly takes part in charity races and sport tournaments.
Quotations:
"I knew what I wanted to do in sport from the age of nine."
"My life motto is 'Do my best, so that I can't blame myself for anything.'"
"I don't think about the press or the crowds or the other leaders of the race. The focus is only on myself. As soon as I see the targets, I tune them out."
"I haven't let the gold medal out of my sight; it sleeps next to me in bed."
"Knitting not only relaxes me, it also brings a feeling of being at home."
Magdalena Neuner is a cheerful and well-diversified person. She enjoys playing the harp, knitting and driving enduro motorcycles. A knitting lover, Magdalena Neuner manages a website, with a blog, dedicated to her hobby. One of her major creations in the field is a blanket on which she worked for about twenty hours. Mountain biking, hiking, swimming, yoga and pilates are among Lena's favorite sport activities. And skiing, of course.
Physical Characteristics: Magdalena Neuner is 1.65 meters tall. She has suffered from colds throughout her athletic career.
Magdalena Neuner was in a relationship with Franz Perwein from Austria for about two years since 2006. She then had a love affair with Björn Weisheit who served as a chief biathlon technician in the German Ski Association (Deutscher Skiverband or DSV).
Neuner's husband-to-be, however, became her school friend Josef Holzer. Magdalena went public with their romantic relationship at the end of 2009. The civil wedding ceremony was held five years later, in March. Later that same year, Neuner gave birth to their first-born, a girl Verena Anna. On October 17, 2015, Magdalena and Josef were married in church. Their second child, Josef Valentin, came to the world on November the next year.