Just 18 months after starting, Kraneis became East Germany's junior national champion in rapid fire pistol. By 1981, he had also secured the national champion title. In 1982, he competed in the European Junior Championships in Rome, Italy. To focus on his training, he moved to Leipzig and trained with Peter Eisenschmidt.

Club and Coaching

Kraneis is associated with FV SSZ Suhl in Suhl, Germany. He is right-handed and has earned nicknames like Mr Perfect, Schumi, and Schuetzenschumi. His coaching philosophy emphasises consistency: "Shooting is not about the one perfect shot but about the perfect copy of the perfect shot 60 times."

Gun Designer

In 1993, while working for a weapons importer, Kraneis developed a gun named the 'Schumann Design'. The Italian company Pardini manufactured this .22 rapid fire pistol. Many competitors used this weapon against him in competitions. However, in 2004, the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) changed its rules to stop the use of pistols he had developed.

Technique Change

In 1996, despite winning major events, Kraneis completely changed his technique. He believed that his previous method made it impossible to hit targets accurately. His new technique aimed to make his shooting action cleaner and more effective.

Awards and Honours

Kraneis was named Germany's Shooter of the Year in 2004. This recognition highlights his significant contributions to the sport and his consistent performance over the years.

Personal Life

Kraneis lives with his wife Anke and their three children. In his free time, he enjoys building model aeroplanes, jogging, cycling, inline skating, and gardening.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Kraneis plans to continue coaching and developing new techniques for aspiring shooters. His dedication to the sport remains unwavering as he aims to nurture future talents in shooting.

Kraneis's journey from a young shooter to a respected coach and gun designer showcases his passion for the sport. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the shooting community.