In a special ceremony held in a packed Antholz arena, four former German biathletes, Simon Schempp, Arnd Peiffer, Daniel Böhm, and Erik Lesser, received their long-awaited gold medals from the 2014 Winter Olympics. This event comes 12 years after the medals were originally earned but subsequently stripped from their competitors due to doping violations by the Russian team. The medals were awarded by Michael Mronz, a member of the International Olympic Committee from Germany, marking a significant moment of recognition for the athletes. They joyfully celebrated their achievement by singing the national anthem atop the podium, contrasting sharply with the current struggles faced by the German biathlon team.

The 2014 Olympic gold was formally awarded to Germany only after a prolonged legal battle against Russian doping allegations that culminated in the disqualification of the Russian team. This historic decision not only validates the efforts of the German athletes but also serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges within the sport regarding doping issues. In acknowledging this victory, Erik Lesser expressed his emotions, stating, "The gold feels good. It shines more than I thought," highlighting the deep personal significance this recognition holds after so many years of waiting.

The celebration of the former athletes stands in stark contrast to the current performance of the German biathlon team, which has faced criticism for underwhelming results in recent competitions. This juxtaposition emphasizes the need for a revival in the German biathlon scene, where past glories are reminisced during awards, while current athletes strive for success. The event thus not only celebrates past victories but also serves as a catalyst for hope and motivation for the present and future of the sport in Germany.