IBU President Olle Dahlin was today awarded an Olympic Order by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry in recognition of his outstanding merit in the cause of world sport and faithfulness to the Olympic ideal.

President Dahlin was presented with the Olympic Order during the closing IOC Session at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

Addressing President Dahlin in front of IOC Members and Olympic Movement stakeholders present at the IOC Session, IOC President Coventry said: “When Olle became president of the IBU in 2018, the sport needed someone who could restore trust, safeguard its values, and put athletes at the centre. With patience and clarity, he transformed the culture of the sport. A firm believer in good governance, he made it the backbone of everything he did. Under his leadership, strategies like Target 26 didn’t just modernise good governance or expand the sport’s reach – they built a stronger, more resilient IBU, one that nurtures athletes, empowers federations, and celebrates the passion of biathlon around the world.”

IBU President Dahlin said:

“It is a great honour to receive this award. I accept it on behalf of all those in the biathlon family whose dedication made everything we have achieved possible. I am deeply grateful to my colleagues on the IBU Executive Board, the National Federations, our partners and our IBU staff for their unwavering support and contribution. Working together, with the support of the IOC and independent experts, we have taken the IBU and biathlon into a new era underpinned by integrity, innovation and sustainability. We have built the foundations on which our sport can continue to grow and our athletes can continue to thrive for years to come.

“The thrilling performances of our athletes here in Antholz-Anterselva and the electric atmosphere generated by our passionate fans have showcased the magic of biathlon on the global stage and inspired us all to reach even higher.”

The Olympic Order is the highest distinction awarded by the IOC, to recognise people who have performed remarkable services for the Olympic Movement.

During the Session four-time Olympian biathlete Johanna Talihärm was also sworn in as an IOC Member following her election to the IOC Athletes’ Commission.

Photo: IOC/Quinton Meyer