The IBU’s fifth Para Biathlon Development Camp has brought together athletes and coaches from 13 nations in Oberhof, Germany, making it the biggest IBU Para Biathlon Development Camp to date.

Taking place from 25 September to 2 October 2026, the week-long camp represented another important step in the IBU’s efforts to broaden participation in Para Biathlon and help National Federations (NFs) build sustainable programs and expertise.

The IBU Para Biathlon Development Camps are designed particularly for developing athletes with limited or no high-level international Para Biathlon competition experience. Alongside athlete development, the camps provide coaches with practical knowledge and an opportunity to learn from experienced Para Biathlon specialists and from each other.

From the shooting range to the snow

Oberhof offered participants an intensive combination of theoretical and practical learning. The program included on-snow skiing in the ski hall, shooting, strength and mobility training, evening seminars and competition opportunities. Training at the camp began with individual shooting and skiing sessions before progressing to combined sessions, allowing athletes to put the different elements of Para Biathlon together.

The camp was led by three experienced IBU Coaches Simon Allanson (GBR), Anaïs Bescond (FRA) and BethAnn Chamberlain (USA), who brought extensive experience ranging from Olympic and World Championship-level biathlon to the development of Para Nordic programs and athletes competing at the highest international level.

Growing the Para Biathlon pathway

The record participation from 13 nations demonstrates the increasing reach of the IBU’s Para Biathlon development activities. Beyond the individual training sessions, bringing athletes and coaches from different countries together creates a dynamic environment for exchanging experience, developing coaching knowledge and building connections between emerging Para Biathlon programs.

The Oberhof camp was the 5th IBU Para Biathlon Development Camp, continuing to provide IBU NFs practical support to develop the sport in their countries and preparing athletes and coaches for future participation in international competition. The development program connects with the wider athlete pathway as the camp also included with a Physical Impairment (PI) classification and a competition opportunity in the Oberhof Ski Hall.

The largest and most internationally diverse edition so far, the Oberhof 2026 camp set yet another milestone in the IBU’s work to create more opportunities for athletes and member NFs around the world.