Claudia Nystad

Claudia Nystad (née 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.

• 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City: Gold in 4 × 5 km.
• 2003 World Championships in Val di Fiemme: Gold in 4 × 5 km and silver in individual sprint.
• 2006 Olympics in Turin: Silvers in individual sprint and 4 × 5 km.
• 2007 World Championships in Sapporo: Silvers in team sprint (with Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle) and in 4 × 5 km.
• As of February 2007, twenty World Cup podium placements: one victory (the 15 km mass start in Otepää on 10 January 2004, where she finished 0.9 seconds ahead of home favorite Kristina Šmigun); six seconds; and eleven thirds.
• 2009 World Championships in Liberec: Silver in 4 × 5 km relay.
• 2010 Olympics in Vancouver: Gold in Team sprint. Silver in relay.

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.

• 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)