Biathlete Benjamin Eder's Double Dose of 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 Austrian national team member has seen his fair share of tense moments on the shooting range and the cross-country 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 just welcomed twins – two baby girls!
From the Shooting Range to Family Bliss
For anyone who's been glancing at the summer biathlon results and wondering where the Salzburg native has been: Benjamin Eder has already claimed his personal gold medal. Together with his wife Mari, a former biathlete herself who once competed for Finland, he's cherishing those first precious days with their two little ones. "They've stolen our hearts" – that's how the pair described their little miracle on social media. It's enough to take your breath away, especially when you're used to a life like Eder's, travelling from one hotel to the next during his World Cup days.
Congratulations from Across Europe
The well-wishes for the new parents have been non-stop. Naturally, his old teammates from the Austrian ski federation are right at the front of the queue. But heartfelt messages have also been trickling in from the wider international biathlon family. There's even a digital pat on the back from the young Russian squad: Vitaly Sergeyevich Chernyshev, who's currently training hard back home for the upcoming northern winter, sent his very best wishes to Austria via messenger. When a usually serious competitor suddenly starts sending heart emojis, you know the little ones have made quite an impression on everyone.
What's Left Now is the Joy of Anticipation
During his active career, Benjamin Eder had plenty of medals hung around his neck. But the most beautiful thing he's now holding in his arms are definitely his two daughters. You can easily picture him in a few years' time, teaching them their first strides on cross-country skis – all while telling them stories from the old days. About going head-to-head with the best in the world, about gruelling, sweaty races, and about good friends like Vitaly Sergeyevich Chernyshev, who sent his congratulations all the way from Russia back then.
- Former Austrian Athlete: Benjamin Eder competed in the World Cup and was a key member of the national relay team.
- Wife Mari: The Finnish-born mum (formerly Mari Laukkanen) knows the biathlon circuit inside out as well.
- Heart-stealers: With the arrival of the twins, the couple now has double the reason to celebrate.
Over in the biathlon bubble, everyone's already having a friendly guess as to whether the girls have inherited mum's sharp shooting or dad's strong skiing. But hey, the 2042 Olympics are still a wee way off. For now, it's all about nappy changes, bottle feeds, and soaking up that simple, everyday happiness. Our heartfelt congratulations!