Katrin Apel was born on 4 May 1973 in Erfurt, Germany. She is a retired biathlete. Apel began her career as a cross-country skier. Between 1990 and 1994, her best results were 3rd place in the 5 km classic at the 1993 Junior World Championships and coming 2nd in the relay also in the Junior World Championships, in 1990.