Key Highlights
- Lou Jeanmonnot and Eric Perrot are favorites for Olympic debut.
- Norway’s team seeks new success after Boe brothers’ retirement.
- Germany and Italy also have several newcomers in their squads.
- Newcomers like Maren Kirkkeide, Oceane Michelon, and Hannah Auchentaller aim to make a mark.
The Winter Olympics: A Special Debut for Some Biathletes
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will see several biathletes making their Olympic debut. For these athletes, it’s not just any race; it’s a milestone in their careers.
Lou Jeanmonnot and Eric Perrot: The French Stars
Lou Jeanmonnot and Eric Perrot have been the most consistent biathletes of the 2025/2026 season. They lead the overall World Cup standings, wearing the yellow jersey. But for both, this is a new chapter as they step into Olympic competition for the first time in Antholz.
Norway’s New Team Striving for Glory
Following the retirement of Johannes Thingnes and Tarjei Boe, Norway has formed a new team with Sturla Holm Laegreid and Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen. While they have athletes who have already won Olympic medals, newcomers like Johan-Olav Botn and Martin Uldal are also eyeing precious metals.
Germany’s Newcomers Aiming for Success
In the German men’s team, only Philipp Nawrath has competed in Olympic races so far. For Justus Strelow, Philipp Horn, Lucas Fratzscher, and David Zobel, it will be a new experience. The youngest member of the German Olympic team is Julia Tannheimer at 19 years old.
Italian Team with Several Rookies
Italy also has several rookies in its squad. Hannah Auchentaller, Patrick Braunhofer, Elia Zeni, and Nicola Romanin will be celebrating their Olympic debut in their home country.
Preparation and Confidence
The French team took a different approach to prepare for the Olympics. While many were focusing on World Cup races, Jeanmonnot and Perrot gained confidence during the competitions in Czechia. Perrot won the world championship title, while Jeanmonnot already has seven World Championship medals.
Future Stars
Maren Kirkkeide, Oceane Michelon, and Camille Bened are part of a strong French team with medal potential. Ella Halvarsson from Sweden is also a competitor to watch after winning the silver medal at the 2025 World Championships. Selina Grotian from Germany is already a World Cup winner at 21.
These newcomers will have their eyes on the past Olympic stories of Simon Eder or Lukas Hofer, who are participating for the fifth time. As they step into this special competition, we can only hope that their debuts live up to the excitement and passion these Games bring.
Regardless of how they experience their Olympic debut, it’s a moment of pride and anticipation.
The Winter Olympics is something very special for every athlete. Milano Cortina will have a special significance for some biathletes as it marks their first time under the Olympic rings in Antholz.
