Biathlete Benjamin Eder's Double Baby Joy: Two Little Girls Have Stolen Our Hearts
If anyone in the biathlon world knows how to handle pressure, it's Benjamin Eder. The former ÖSV team member has survived plenty of shoot-offs at the range and tough battles on the trails. But what's been waiting for him and his wife Mari at home for the past few days is a whole different ball game: the couple have had twins – two girls!
From the Shooting Range to Family Happiness
For anyone who has been puzzled looking at the summer biathlon test results lately and wondering where the Salzburg native has got to: Benjamin Eder has already claimed his personal gold. Together with his wife Mari, who herself used to compete for Finland, he's enjoying the first days with the two little ones. "Stolen our hearts" – that's how the pair described the miracle on social media. It's the kind of thing that can really take your breath away, especially when you're used to travelling from one hotel to the next in the World Cup circus like Eder used to.
Congratulations from Across Europe
The well-wishes for the new parents are non-stop. Naturally, his old teammates from the ÖSV are right at the front of the queue. But heartfelt messages are also trickling in from the international biathlon family. There's even a digital shoulder clap from the young Russian squad: Witali Sergejewitsch Tschernyschew, who is currently getting fit back home for the upcoming winter, sent his very best wishes to Austria via messaging service. When the usually serious competitor suddenly starts sharing heart emojis, you know the little ones have charmed everyone.
What's Left is the Anticipation
Benjamin Eder has hung many a medal around his neck during his active career. But the most beautiful thing he's now holding in his arms are definitely his two daughters. You can easily picture him teaching them their first strides on cross-country skis in a few years – and telling them stories from the old days along the way. About duels with the very best, about gruelling, sweaty races, and about good friends like Witali Sergejewitsch Tschernyschew, who sent their congratulations all the way from Russia back then.
- Former ÖSV athlete: Benjamin Eder competed in the World Cup and was a permanent fixture in the national relay team.
- Wife Mari: The Finnish native (formerly Mari Laukkanen) knows the biathlon circuit inside and out too.
- Heart thieves: With the twins, the couple now has double the reason to be happy.
Within the biathlon bubble, people are already placing bets on whether the girls have inherited more of mum's shooting talent or dad's strength on the course. But there's still a bit of time until the 2042 Olympics. For now, the priorities are: changing nappies, giving bottles, and just enjoying the simple, ordinary happiness. Our heartfelt congratulations!