Oslo, Norway – The Biathlon World Cup season is set to culminate at the Holmenkollen in Oslo, Norway, this week, with competitions beginning Thursday, March 19, 2026. Among the athletes vying for a spot on the podium is Elias Seidl, a 21-year-ancient German biathlete who has earned a coveted place on the German team for the finals. His inclusion marks a significant moment, not only for his burgeoning career but also as the son of Martina Seidl (née Zellner), a 1998 Olympic gold medalist in biathlon.
The German Ski Association (DSV) has named a 14-athlete team for the event, with Seidl joining Franz Schaser as one of two relatively unknown athletes selected for the competition. Seidl’s selection comes on the heels of strong performances in the IBU Cup, where he secured his first victory in the short individual event at Lake Placid and finished tenth earning Germany additional starting slots for the World Cup finals. He previously made his World Cup debut in January in Nové Město.
A Legacy of Biathlon Excellence
Elias Seidl’s path to the World Cup is steeped in biathlon history. His mother, Martina Seidl, enjoyed a decorated career, culminating in a gold medal as part of the German women’s 4×7.5km relay team at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics alongside Uschi Disl, Katrin Apel, and Petra Behle. Martina Seidl also claimed the 1999 World Championship title in the sprint event, adding to her impressive collection of six World Championship medals and three European Championship medals. Throughout her career, she secured 13 World Cup victories before retiring in 2002.
Following her competitive career, Martina Seidl transitioned into roles as a television expert and coach within the German and Bavarian Ski Associations, continuing to contribute to the sport she excelled in. The influence of her experience is undoubtedly a factor in Elias’s development as an athlete.
Currently, Elias Seidl is also pursuing training with the German Federal Police alongside his biathlon career, demonstrating a commitment to discipline and service.
Seidl’s Rise Through the Ranks
Seidl’s talent has been evident throughout his junior career. He honed his skills at the Ruhpolding training center, a renowned facility in the Chiemgau Arena. He achieved success at the youth level, earning silver medals in both the mixed and youth relay events at the Youth and Junior World Championships. In the 2023/24 season, he dominated the German Junior Cup, securing first place in the overall standings and earning his first IBU Cup participation. Last season, he added to his accolades with a silver medal in the relay at the Junior World Championships and a European Junior Vice Championship title in the sprint.
What to Expect in Oslo
The Biathlon World Cup Finals in Oslo will feature a packed schedule, beginning with sprint races on Thursday, March 19th and Friday, March 20th. The competition will then move to pursuit races on Saturday, March 21st, and conclude with mass start events on Sunday, March 22nd. For Seidl, this represents a valuable opportunity to gain experience on the world’s biggest stage and test his skills against the sport’s elite.
While this is only his second World Cup appearance, Seidl’s recent successes in the IBU Cup demonstrate his potential. His ability to perform under pressure and consistently deliver strong results suggests he could make a significant impact in Oslo. The finals will provide a crucial learning experience as he navigates the challenges of competing at the highest level of biathlon.
The men’s competition in Oslo will be particularly strong, featuring a competitive field of athletes vying for the final podium positions of the season. Seidl will be looking to build on his recent momentum and establish himself as a rising star in the sport. The event offers a chance not only to showcase his individual talent but also to contribute to the overall success of the German team.
The Biathlon World Cup Finals in Oslo promise to be an exciting conclusion to the season, and Elias Seidl’s participation adds an intriguing storyline as he follows in the footsteps of his Olympic champion mother. Fans can expect a thrilling competition as the world’s best biathletes battle for glory on the challenging Holmenkollen course.
(This article was updated on March 18, 2026, to reflect the latest team nominations and event schedule.)
