Debora Annen, a 23-year-old bob pilot, has been named “SRF 3 Best Talent Sport 2025,” earning a 12,000 Swiss Franc grant from Schweizer Sporthilfe, the Swiss Sports Aid Foundation. The award, decided by online voting, recognizes Annen’s rapid ascent in the world of bobsleigh and her potential for future success on the international stage. The announcement came as Annen prepared to depart for a training camp in Canada, adding a welcome surprise to her already busy schedule.
Annen’s journey to the top of the bobsleigh world is particularly notable for its relatively late start. Even as she initially excelled in handball, reaching the junior national team level, persistent elbow issues prompted her to explore alternative athletic pursuits. It was in bobsleigh that she found a new passion, one deeply rooted in family history. Her father, Martin Annen, is a decorated former bob pilot, having secured three Olympic medals and two World Championship medals throughout his career.
From Handball to the Ice Channel
The transition from the court to the ice wasn’t immediate. Annen began her bobsleigh career at the age of 18, a point considered late for many athletes in the sport. However, she quickly demonstrated a natural aptitude for the discipline. Since the 2024/25 season, Annen has established herself as a rising star, consistently delivering strong performances on the World Cup circuit. In her debut season, she achieved three top-five finishes in the monobob event and a fifth-place result in the two-woman bob. Her talent was further underscored by winning U23 World Championship titles in both monobob and two-woman bob, solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with.
A Season of Continued Success
The 2025/26 season saw Annen build upon her previous successes. She secured a gold medal in the monobob and a silver medal in the two-woman bob at the Junior World Championships in St. Moritz in January. This momentum carried over to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, where she achieved a respectable 11th-place finish in the monobob and 7th in the two-woman bob, earning her an Olympic Diploma – a recognition awarded to athletes who place in the top eight at the Games.
The financial support from Schweizer Sporthilfe will be instrumental in Annen’s continued development. “I will primarily invest the money in the sport,” Annen explained, “There are always some purchases, for example, faster runners.” She also intends to allocate a portion of the grant towards a well-deserved break, acknowledging the importance of rest and recovery in a demanding sport. Schweizer Sporthilfe provides financial and developmental support to promising Swiss athletes, helping them to reach their full potential.
Looking Ahead to 2030
Despite her recent achievements, Annen remains focused on the future. Her long-term goal is to compete at the 2030 Winter Olympics and she is determined to be a contender for a medal. “The long-term goal is, of course, the 2030 Winter Olympics,” she stated. “I hope One can continue as usual, stay healthy and push hard.”
Annen’s dedication and talent, combined with the support of organizations like Schweizer Sporthilfe, position her as a strong contender in the years to come. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of athletic excellence. The next key date for Annen and the Swiss bobsleigh team will be the announcement of the World Cup schedule for the 2026/27 season, which will provide a clear roadmap for their preparations leading up to the next major international competitions.
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