New Year’s caramel #1: Elvira’s magical WC gold in Lenzerheide.
In the weeks before the WC, she was ill and was unsure whether she would even be able to start. But she did. And after a tough start to the race, it is she who, on the last shot, when the competitors are trembling, keeps her nerves under control and sets the stage for a historic WC gold.
And what a fantastic ending we get to experience.
Elvira Öberg, who has just won her first individual WC gold, remains in the finish line and waits for her sister Hanna, who, after tripping and injuring her rifle, is clearly last in the competition. When Hanna crosses the finish line, the sisters are united in an emotional embrace.
A worthy end and a fantastic memory we carry with us.
New Year’s candy #2: Junior WC and Sara’s gold in Östersund
At the end of February, Östersund was transformed into the gathering point for the stars of the future when the Junior WC was decided at the National Arena. 458 biathletes from 40 nations competed for the medals in 18 competitions – and the championship opened with a grand opening in a packed Badhusparken where, among others, Theo provided the entertainment.
It was a historic championship in many ways. For the first time ever, SVT broadcast all competitions live – even parts of the Vasalopps broadcast were moved to make room for the Junior WC. And in the arena, LED screens were installed above the drop goals so that the public could follow along in the best way.
And what a highlight we got!
In her last Junior WC, Sara Andersson stood for a gold race that showed what a champion she is. With ice in her stomach and full control, she shot home the third JVM gold of her career. It was an unforgettable week, and one of many moments that show that the future of Swedish biathlon is bright.
New Year’s Candy #3: New Event and Performance Center
One of Swedish biathlon’s most important milestones came just a couple of weeks ago. Now it is finally clear that we are building a brand new event and performance center at the National Arena in Östersund. A future investment of over SEK 100 million – and one of the largest investments in Swedish biathlon history.
“We are creating a place that gives the whole of biathlon Sweden new opportunities to develop – where training, research and innovation can meet.” – Sofia Domeij, president of the Swedish Biathlon Federation
This is not just about a building, but about strengthening the whole of our development environment. The center gives the talents of the future better opportunities to grow, creates the best possible conditions for our active and national teams – and allows us to continue developing the events that drive the sport forward. An investment that takes a step closer to the dream of the WC 2031.
New Year’s Caramel #4: Dreamar about a better facility?
Do you also dream of a better facility? We can make it happen!
Imagine a biathlon Sweden with modern full-scale arenas. Facilities that make the sport accessible and provide the opportunity to train on equal terms, regardless of where you live in Sweden.
There is almost SEK 10 million set aside for that purpose. So don’t hesitate to apply – the fund exists so that you and other associations can raise the level of your biathlon facilities. Maybe 2026 will be the year you take the plunge and apply.
New Year’s Candy #5: Young, camp and try-on
2025 was a record year for our young biathletes. At the Summer Camp in Idre Fjäll, over 60 participants gathered for a week filled with training, joy and new friends – at the same time as our new leadership training for young leaders started.
Sveaskog Camp also continued to grow. A total of 133 young people participated in five different locations around the country and several associations, such as Garphyttan, have received a proper boost in their activities thanks to the camps.
Interest was record high even outside the camp sites. During the year, several thousand had the chance to try biathlon, among other things through our consultants who arranged try-on activities around the country and through the Biathlon challenge where we appeared out on the cross-country trails. In Stockholm alone, during the Skidskyttekampen, over 3,500 got to try biathlon.
2025 showed that interest in biathlon is stronger than ever.
Worth a look
