Mark Kirchner

Mark Kirchner was the flag bearer for Germany at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics Opening Ceremony. In addition to his three Olympic biathlon gold medals, Kirchner also won seven gold, one silver and two bronze medals at World Championships between 1990-97.

Kirchner’s most successful year was 1992 when he won two golds at the Albertville Winter Olympics in the 10 km and relay, and a silver over 20 km. Two years later at Lillehammer, Kirchner added another gold in the relay and finished seventh over 20 km, and 12th in the sprint event. Kirchner finished second in the overall biathlon World Cup in both 1991 and 1993. In total, he won 16 World Cup races, including seven individual events.

In 1999 Kirchner moved to cross-country skiing, but with slightly less success. At the East German Championships, Kirchner was runner-up in the biathlon relay with his ASK Vorwärts Oberhof club in 1989. After German reunification he became German champion over 10 km in 1992.

Kirchner later turned to coaching and in 2007 became assistant coach under Frank Ullrich with the German Biathlon Association. After the 2018 Winter Olympics Kirchner became Head Coach. In 1992 he was awarded the Silver Bay Leaf, Germany’s highest sports award.