LAOLA1: Hi Anna, and thanks for your time. How are you feeling right now?
Anna Andexer: The final preparations for winter are underway. I'm really looking forward to getting started. So far, thankfully, I've also stayed healthy.
LAOLA1: Last winter was a roller coaster for you, with the Olympics as a highlight. You finished twice in the Top 10 in Antholz (9th in the sprint and mass start). How do you look back on it a few months later?
Andexer: When I see videos or photos and think back to it, I still find it amazing that I succeeded like that. It also motivates me because it reminds me of what I'm capable of. It really stirs a lot inside me.
Ich bin ein Mensch, der mit Druck gut umgehen kann. Wenn es darauf ankommt, bin ich da.
LAOLA1: You said that the Olympics generated a lot of pressure for you. It certainly wasn't easy to deal with. What did you take away from this situation, which you experienced like this for the first time?
Andexer: The Olympics only happen every four years, and everyone wants to be there. We are a strong team, and you push yourself internally, building up a bit of pressure. It's difficult not to, because you always have it in your mind. You want to be there and deliver. And it will be the same again in four years.
LAOLA1: But then with this year's experience already.
Andexer: Exactly. I'm also someone who can handle pressure quite well. I've proven that many times at major junior events. When it matters, I'm there.
LAOLA1: This spring, some restructuring took place at the ÖSV. With Markus Fischer, the women's team has a new old head coach. How did you react to this decision?
Andexer: It was decided by the sports management. I am very satisfied with the current situation. Even under his predecessor Reini Gösweiner, I always made good progress. Since this year, Wolfgang Pichler has been writing the plans, and the coaches implement them. I talk to him a lot.
LAOLA1: How do you look back on your time under Reinhard Gösweiner? He is also a very experienced coach. What were you able to take away from him?
Andexer: I also got along very well with him; I trained under him for the last few years and made great progress – in shooting and skiing. He is a good man from whom you can learn a lot.
LAOLA1: The decision for the coaching change was accompanied by the appointment of Wolfgang Pichler, who, as you mentioned, has been responsible for training planning and management for about half a year. You said you talk a lot with him. How have you experienced him so far?
Andexer: For me, it's very important to be able to talk well with a coach. I have a lot of trust in him. He makes sure that everything fits well within the team and works very professionally. He also reviews the training sessions regularly, is present at training camps in Ruhpolding, and then adjusts if he notices that something is too much or too little.
Er hat natürlich seine eigene Art, mit der muss man umgehen können.
LAOLA1: Is he really as tough internally as he appears externally?
Andexer: He certainly has his own way, and you have to be able to deal with it. He's just a bit tougher, and I think he always has been. As far as training is concerned, I'm convinced by him; he knows what it takes to be competitive at the top. He also recently showed that in Bulgaria (bronze for Lora Hristova in the individual at the 2026 Olympics, Ed.). It's not a given to achieve something so great with a small team.
LAOLA1: Wolfgang Pichler describes himself as a "hard taskmaster." How does that manifest itself in daily training?
Andexer: The volume and intensity have increased. We train significantly harder. There's also a bit less free time. Wolfgang dictates this precisely. We always train for three weeks, then we have a few days off. Regeneration is then all the more important. You always look forward to the days off (laughs).
LAOLA1: What are the biggest differences compared to before?
Andexer: We do much longer intervals, and the endurance hours have also increased. For example, we used to do three hours, now we sometimes spend five hours on the bike.
LAOLA1: You are a very strong skier. Is that something that suits you?
Andexer: I am someone who can endure a lot. Wolfgang focuses much more on strength training, especially for the upper body. I really like that because I can apply it well on the roller skis. The way he does it, it's a really good combination.
LAOLA1: You said you wanted to improve your shooting performance over the summer. How far along are you with that?
Andexer: I made it my goal to be consistent in every training session and to stand behind what I do one hundred percent. I think I've definitely made a step forward this year. Simon Eder is also on hand to assist us with shooting. That helps us a lot. We already had internal test competitions where I managed to shoot clean four times. I'm really satisfied with my summer races. Of course, I still have some fluctuations at the shooting range, but it's getting better and better. I'm looking positively into the future.
Lisa war unser Zugpferd, aber aus meiner Sicht sind wir als Team stark.
LAOLA1: In the summer competitions, you already had quite a battle with Anna Gandler. Are we already seeing the duel for the future number one in the women's team? This position is vacant after Lisa Hauser's retirement. Or do you see it more as not needing a clear number one at all?
Andexer: Of course, as biathletes, we are individual athletes, but I see us as a team. We are a great team and train a lot together. Wolfgang Pichler also wants it that way. I see how we push each other. That's why I'm already looking forward to the relay races, because we have a lot of potential there. Lisa was our driving force, but from my point of view, we are strong as a team.
LAOLA1: What are your personal goals for the upcoming season?
Andexer: Of course, I am aware of the potential I have. Due to the restructurings, a lot has changed, which is why it's difficult to say where one truly stands. After the summer races, I am quite positive looking ahead. But where one truly stands will only be seen in winter. A top-10 finish at a major event is already a goal I'm aiming for this year.
LAOLA1: In December, the last home World Cup in Hochfilzen before the 2028 World Championships is coming up. Unfortunately, in recent years, it hasn't been a good venue for you. Why will it be better this year?
Andexer: Two years ago, I was allowed to celebrate my World Cup debut there, and it was a perfect race: clean shooting twice and a top-30 finish. I live nearby and know that many people from my hometown come to watch. That really pushes me. That's why it's not such a bad venue for me. I'm happy when I get to race there.
Eine "Flower" zuhause wäre natürlich ein Traum.
LAOLA1: If I were to tell you today: You'll make it to a Flower Ceremony in Hochfilzen this year – what would you tell me?
Andexer: (laughs) I would take that immediately. But of course, I'm realistic and set myself appropriate goals. A "Flower" at home would certainly be a dream.
LAOLA1: It is undisputed, however, that you have great potential – just like Lisa Hauser once did, whom you call your great role model. How much do you miss her in the team?
Andexer: Fundamentally, I have to concentrate on myself, because I want to take the next step and progress. We will certainly miss Lisa; she was our driving force. Personally, I would have been happy if she had continued until 2028. We could have used her well in the relay as well. But for her, it's the right decision, and she's totally happy with it.
LAOLA1: What's the best quality you were able to learn from her?
Andexer: Her helpfulness. She was always there if we had concerns or questions. She always took things easy. In this respect, she was and will remain a role model.
LAOLA1: Does that mean if you need tips or suggestions, she's still available?
Andexer: Although she's no longer actively participating, she will continue to follow us. So, if we have questions, we can approach her in the future. She would be the last one not to do that. The same applies to Simon Eder.
LAOLA1: Finally, let's build your perfect biathlete.
Andexer: Gladly.
LAOLA1: The shooting of?
Andexer: Simon Eder.
LAOLA1: The skiing strength of?
Andexer: Johannes Thingnes Boe.
LAOLA1: The mental strength of?
Andexer: Dorothea Wierer or Franziska Preuß; I always liked both of them in this regard.
LAOLA1: The attention to detail of?
Andexer: Actually, Simon Eder too.
LAOLA1: The passion of?
Andexer: Simon Eder too.
LAOLA1: The charm of?
Andexer: Lisa Hauser.
LAOLA1: Thanks for the interview.
