Liatoppen Biathlon Festival, the largest biathlon event in the world for youth, hosted more than 1,050 participants aged 10 to 16, creating an exciting and inspiring environment for the next generation of the sport. As part of the International Biathlon Union’s Development Programme, young athletes from ten nations gathered for this unique international training camp. The camp brought together athletes from Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Great Britain, Greenland, Kazakhstan, and Poland.

Camp included a dryfire training session led by biathlon legend Dag Bjørndalen, who shared technical insights and experience with the young participants. Athletes also took part in an inspiring motivational session delivered by MOT, focusing on courage, confidence, and personal growth both on and off the track. Beyond training and competition, the camp emphasized community and connection. Participants enjoyed the festival’s lively opening ceremony and celebrated their achievements during the prizegiving event. They also had the opportunity to meet and learn from top athletes Endre Strømsheim and Isak Leknes Frey, who shared their personal journeys and encouraged the young biathletes to pursue their goals.

Coaches attending the camp benefited from dedicated educational programming, including an introduction to the Norwegian model of athlete development and club organization—an approach widely recognized for its emphasis on long-term growth and community-based training.

The camp left a lasting impression on all involved, fostering new friendships across borders and strengthening a shared passion for biathlon. The project is led by the Norwegian Biathlon Federation and supported through the IBU Development Programme as part of its Customized Development Projects initiative.

Photo: Norwegian Biathlon Association