First cohort of IBU Para Biathlon coaches completes inaugural course in Oberhof
The inaugural IBU Academy Para Biathlon Basic Level Course has successfully concluded following the second in-person module in Oberhof/GER, from 22–25 September 2026. The course represents an important step in strengthening coaching expertise and supporting the continued development of Para Biathlon across the IBU family.
The program began in Antholz/ITA, in June, where the group of ten participants representing nine national federations (NFs) came together for the first part of the pilot course. The opening in-person part established the foundations of Para Biathlon coaching, covering topics from skiing and shooting equipment to rifle safety, accessibility, the role of coaches, and practical approaches to working with athletes with disabilities.
Following a hybrid learning experience featuring online content and exam via the IBU Academy LearningSuite, the coaches reconvened in Oberhof for the second part that focused on translating knowledge into practical coaching skills.
From theory to practical coaching
Over three intensive days, participants explored Para Biathlon performance and the specific considerations involved in coaching athletes with different impairments. Coaches worked on sit skiing technique and assistance, including practical drills, as well as range procedures and shooting techniques for both standing and sitting athletes. They also addressed coaching athletes with visual impairments, with dedicated practical sessions on skiing and shooting techniques for VI athletes.
Sessions on mobility, strength and agility training, spinal cord injury, limb deficiency and cerebral palsy further developed participants' understanding of how coaching approaches can be adapted to individual athletes. The course also included an introduction to Para Biathlon classification, followed by a seminar outlining the practical role of a coach within the classification process.
It has been an immense honor to take part in this IBU Academy course. This program allowed me to gain comprehensive insights into the areas I had long been eager to study since my days as an athlete, marking a significant milestone in my professional and personal development. I am deeply grateful to everyone who made this invaluable opportunity possible. – Euihyun Shin, Korea
The course brought together expertise from across the Para Biathlon community, with specialist contributions covering performance, coaching athletes with disabilities, skiing and shooting techniques, strength training, and integrity matters as well as the future development of Para Biathlon.
Importantly, the course was also designed as a space for coaches to learn from one another. Sharing experiences and solutions between National Federations was an integral part of the curriculum, helping to build not only individual coaching competence but also a growing international network of Para Biathlon coaches.
The course was very educational, and I’m really grateful that I had the opportunity to take part. I learned a lot about many aspects of Para Biathlon that I was not familiar with before, which made the course a very valuable and inspiring experience. I’m sure the knowledge I gained will benefit me greatly in my coaching career.
One of the most valuable aspects of the course was the opportunity to network and connect with other Para Biathlon coaches. It was great to share experiences, learn from each other, and build relationships within the Para Biathlon community. – Hanne Kråkstad Johansen, Norway
Building capacity for the future of Para Biathlon
The successful completion of the first IBU Para Biathlon Basic Level Course marks another step in the IBU's ongoing integration and development of Para Biathlon.
Developing knowledgeable coaches is fundamental to creating opportunities for more athletes to enter the sport, supporting NFs in establishing and expanding Para Biathlon programmes, and strengthening the quality of athlete development from grassroots to elite level.
The inaugural course also provides valuable experience for the IBU Academy as Para Biathlon becomes increasingly embedded within the IBU's coach education and development structures.
With the first cohort having now completed the program, the course leaves behind something more than a new group of trained coaches: a growing network of people equipped to share knowledge, develop athletes and help build the next chapter of Para Biathlon.
IBU Para Biathlon Basic Course Oberhof 2026
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