Kati Wilhelm

Kati Wilhelm (born August 2, 1976) is a professional biathlete born in Schmalkalden in the Federal State of Thuringia, Germany. Like most German biathletes she is also a member of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) with the rank of sergeant (Hauptfeldwebel). She currently resides in Steinbach-Hallenberg, also in the Federal State of Thuringia.

Kati Wilhelm started practicing cross country skiing as a child in 1983 and was a member of the German cross-country ski team at the 1998 Nagano Olympic Games. In 1999, while attending the World Military Games, she came into contact with biathlon and was hooked. Her decision to switch to biathlon proved to be a good one. The next year she experienced her first successes including a World Cup victory. During the Salt Lake City Olympic Games of 2002, she was the most decorated female biathlete, winning gold medals in the 7.5 Km. Sprint and the 4 X 6 Km. Relay. She also won a silver medal on the 10 Km. Pursuit.

The German media refers to her as "Rotkäppchen" (Little Red Riding Hood) because of her characteristic red hair and the red cap she uses in competition. She was able to translate her Olympic victories into multiple endorsement deals, including print and television advertising.

Currently Kati Wilhelm leads the overall 2005-2006 World Cup competition. She proved her extraordinary form by winning 2 of the 3 races at the last pre-Olympic competition at Antholz-Anterselva, Italy and has been selected for the German biathlon team that will compete at the 2006 Turin Olympics.

See also

* Germany at the 2006 Winter Olympics

External links

* Official Homepage in german
* Official page of the International Biathlon Union