Anna Magnusson talks to Biathlonworld to look back on the most successful season of her career to date. She finished on the podium five times in individual races, led the World Cup standings in the yellow jersey and managed to enjoy her biathlon career more.

“I have so many wonderful memories of last season. The podium at the home World Cup in Oestersund, the yellow jersey in Hochfilzen, the Olympic medal with the relay team. There were many days when simply everything went perfectly,” says Magnusson, describing the past World Cup season.

Magnusson is one of the most experienced athletes in the Swedish team. She has been competing in the World Cup since 2015 and is a regular in the relay team. Yet she has never experienced a season as successful as 2025/2026.

Mental strength as a key component

“To be honest, I can’t explain why it went so well,” says the 31-year-old. She got through the summer without any illness or injury, was able to draw on the routine she had built up over more than ten years in the top biathlon league and felt more relaxed than in previous years. It was probably a combination of all these factors.

“I never thought it would be possible for me to wear the yellow jersey and be the best in the World Cup.”

When she celebrated her first – and so far, only – World Cup victory in Le Grand-Bornand in December 2022, it came as a shock to her. “I hadn’t even been in the top six before. That was my goal – and then a win. That day was just crazy.” Now she’s better able to cope mentally with her successes and enjoy everything more.

Loop One Festival kicks off an impressive season

As early as October, at the inaugural Loop One Festival in Munich, Magnusson realised she could rely on her body. “I felt really strong. Which is rather unusual, because normally I’m always tired in the autumn after all those training sessions.” She capitalised on her momentum and immediately made a statement by finishing third.

“I like races where things get intense. You know full well that if you don’t make the cut in the qualifiers, you’ll only have a short race. You have to be focused right from the start. The Loop One Festival is one of the few races in the summer that attracts a large field of competitors, including many top athletes. I really like that.”

Thoughts of retirement are always on her mind

Every year, Magnusson thinks about how much longer she wants to remain committed to biathlon. For many athletes, an Olympic season marks the day when it’s time to call it a day. The Swedish athlete had these thoughts too. “There are so many other things in life that interest me and for which I’d love to have more time. But I’m not ready to give up biathlon just yet. It doesn’t feel right yet. I’m keen to see how I can improve even further.”

She isn’t chasing results or placings. Magnusson wants to keep developing and become a better biathlete every day. But of course, she’d love to experience the feeling of standing on the podium more often. Perhaps even at the 2031 World Championships on home soil in Östersund?

“I can say this much: I won’t be continuing my career that long. But I’m already looking forward to the event.”

Photos: IBU Photopool