IBU Sustainability Ambassadors

ATHLETE AMBASSADORS 2025 - 2027

In June 2025, the International Biathlon Union (IBU) announced the selection of new Athlete Ambassadors for the 2023-2025 period. These ambassadors serve as role models to their peers and the global Biathlon family. They have a powerful platform that can reach a broad community of fans and followers, and their voices can promote a culture that will continue to build trust and confidence in the sport of biathlon and its future.

By serving as Athlete Ambassadors, they will be using their voice to promote a culture that aims to build on the existing trust and confidence in the sport of biathlon. Their work will contribute to ensuring a better world for everyone.

The IBU Athlete Ambassadors for Sustainability for the period 2025-2027 are:

1. César Beauvais (BEL)

2. Maya Cloetens (BEL)

3. Jacques Jefferies (GBR)

4. Oleksandra Merkushyna (UKR)

5. Lena Repinc (SLO)

6. Ukaleq Astri Slettemark (GRL)

7. Shawna Pendry (GBR)

Lena Repinc (SLO), a new Athlete Ambassador for Sustainability, said,

The future of the programme promises further engagement of the Ambassadors in various meetings and events, providing them with opportunities to speak up and use their voice. The IBU will continue to educate them about its activities and encourage them to promote among their peers and the wider public. They will also be given opportunities to work on their own projects.

The Athlete Ambassador program is a testament to the IBU's commitment to fostering positive change within the sport of biathlon and ensuring a better world for all.

ATHLETE AMBASSADORS 2023-2025

The Sustainability Athlete Ambassador group consisted of five athletes namely Jules Burnotte (CAN), Thierry Langer (BEL), Maya Cloetens (BEL), Ukaleq Slettemark (GRL) and Jacques Jefferies (GBR).

IBU Sustainability Ambassador, Maya Cloetens (BEL), said:

The IBU Ambassador Program offers a unique opportunity to gain insider knowledge on how the IBU addresses key topics such as sustainability, gender equality, and integrity. As an athlete, you can actively contribute by sharing ideas, getting involved in impactful projects, and deepening your understanding of these important areas. Be part of the change!

Highlights from the second term of the Sustainability Ambassador Programme:

World Earth Day 2025: Watch a video of Jules skiing 250 km from Sherbrooke to Quebec City to chase a lifelong dream - and raise awareness about the growing threat of climate change on our winters

GSSport24 Conference: Read an article about Ukaleq participating in a panel discussion to highlight the critical role athletes play in promoting sustainability within sports

EOC Seminar in Montenegro: Read an article about Jacques Jefferies speaking for change

IBU Athlete Webinar 2023: Jacques Jefferies participating in a session related to mental health

ATHLETE AMBASSADORS 2021 - 2023

The Sustainability Athlete Ambassador group consisted of seven athletes namely Jules Burnotte (CAN), Alla Ghilenko (MDA), Anika Kozika (CRO), Thierry Langer (BEL), Isabella Moon (AUS), Mirlene Picin (BRA) and Adam Runnalls (CAN).

Jules Burnotte (CAN), said about the programme:

The ambassador program was a good way as an athlete to hear more about what the IBU is doing, and an opportunity to develop certain project ideas.

In those first two years, we were mostly building the role, getting education and practicing communication skills, but now for what is to come, the ambassadors will be able to take on some interesting projects!

Highlights from the Pilot Ambassador Programme:

Sustainability Seminar Oberhof 2023: Adam and Thierry participated as speakers in the panel discussion

Athlete Sustainability Survey 2021: With the help of the Athlete Ambassadors an Athlete Sustainability Survey has been conducted

Biathlon Climate Challenges 2021 & 2022: Jules joined both Biathlon Climate Challenge motivating fans worldwide to get active and plant trees