Claudia Nystad

Claudia Nystad ( Künzel, born 1 February 1978) is a German top-level woman cross-country skier. She was born in Zschopau, East Germany, and represents the sports club WSC Erzgebirge Oberwiesenthal. Besides her civilian sports career, she serves as a sports soldier with the German Federal Armed Forces.

Cross-country skiing results
All results are sourced from the International Ski Federation (FIS).

Olympic Games

 * 6 medals – (2 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze)

World Championships

 * 5 medals – (1 gold, 4 silver)


 * a. Cancelled due to extremely cold weather.

Individual podiums

 * 4 victories – (2 WC, 2 SWC)
 * 26 podiums – (21 WC, 5 SWC)

Team podiums

 * 7 victories – (4 RL, 3 TS)
 * 26 podiums – (17 RL, 9 TS)

Personal life
On June 27, 2005, Künzel married Trond Nystad from Norway, ex-coach of the American cross-country ski team.

In the summer of 2007, Künzel donated her gold medal from the 2002 Winter Olympics to benefit the 'Hansel und Gretel' foundation (Hansel and Gretel in German) committed to helping abused children.

Honours and awards

 * Saxon Sportswoman of the Year (2007 and 2010)
 * Silver Bay Leaf (2002, 2006 and 2010)
 * Badge of Honour of the German Ski Association in Gold (2010)
 * Bundeswehr Cross of Honour in Gold (2004)
 * Badge of Honour of the Bundeswehr (2002)