In just two years, Anna Andexer has gone from the IBU Junior Cup to the Winter Olympics. At 23, she is a member of the Austrian World Cup team and is now coming into sharper focus following Lisa Theresa Hauser’s retirement. But even though her career has taken off in the past two years, Andexer is still a long way from where she would like to be.

“It all happened really fast,” says Andexer, summing up the past two years. In the 2023–2024 season, she was the most successful athlete in the IBU Junior Cup. With seven victories, she comfortably won the overall standings. She then made a brief foray into the IBU Cup, followed by the home World Cup in Hochfilzen and the World Championships in Lenzerheide. Since the 2025/2026 season, the Austrian has been a permanent member of the World Cup team and made her Olympic debut at the Winter Games in Antholz.

Focus on the Olympics

“Actually, ever since the summer, everyone has been talking about nothing but the Olympics. To be honest, that puts a lot of pressure on me. I could really feel it inside. But I knew I had a realistic chance of qualifying for the Winter Olympics. So, I took on the challenge,” says the 23-year-old. And Andexer did it. Even though last season was a rollercoaster ride.

After solid results in December, especially in Annecy–Le Grand Bornand, Andexer fell ill during the Christmas break and had to sit out the World Cup in Oberhof. “That’s when it hit me. I was in bed with a fever for a few days. That really took a toll on me mentally, because I could tell my form was on the rise.” In Antholz, she was then in top form and finished ninth in both the sprint and the mass start. “I like the course in Antholz, and even though it was the Olympics, it felt like a World Cup. By being able to compete in Antholz, I had achieved my season goal and knew nothing could go wrong.”

Role model: Lisa Theresa Hauser

Lisa Theresa Hauser was a key mentor for Andexer as she transitioned from junior to World Cup athlete. “She was the face of our team for so many years. I learned a great deal from her as a young athlete. It’s a real shame that she’s retiring.” It wasn’t until Kontiolahti that Hauser told her teammates about her decision to retire. “We tried to convince her to keep going,” says Andexer with a smile. “But I can still call her whenever I need advice.”

For the upcoming season, Andexer has her sights set on the World Championships in Otepaa. She already won bronze in the mixed relay at the 2024 Junior World Championships in Estonia. “I want to improve my shooting over the summer. I still lack the consistency and speed to keep up with the world’s best.” If she ever needs a break from the biathlon circuit, she finds it at home. “I still live with my parents. That helps me take my mind off the sport, because at home with my siblings, it's not all about biathlon. It helps me clear my head.” And then get back to training and focus on the next goals.

Photo: IBU I Danielsson