Grzegorz Galica was one of the defining athletes of the IBU Junior Cup in the 2024/2025 season. He won medals at the IBU Junior Open European Championships, the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival, the IBU Junior and Youth World Championships and finished second in the total score. A year earlier, he didn't even make it onto the podium. How did he manage to improve so much?

“I didn't expect these successes at all.” This is how Grzegorz Galica describes the 2024/2025 season. He achieved a podium finish at the first IBU Junior Cup in Ridnaun in December - second place in the sprint just five seconds behind the winner David Elias from the Czech Republic. “After this success, I realized that the season could go well. But I wasn't ready for the big victories yet.” But he should soon get used to standing at the top of the podium.

Three gold medals at the IBU Junior Open European Championships in Altenberg

The 18-year-old Pole then showed what he was made of at the IBU Junior Open European Championships in Altenberg. He won the individual race with a commanding lead of 38 seconds and put his team in a good starting position in the mixed relay as the runner in second position, as he handed over as the leader. The gold medal could no longer be taken from the Polish team. “For me, it was the best moment of the season to win the gold medal with my team. The girls had never won a medal at these championships before, so it's all the better to celebrate with the whole team,” says Grzegorz Galica. And he couldn't stop celebrating, because nobody could beat him in the mass start 60 either.

He then managed two more victories at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in Bakuriani (Georgia). Galica played to his strengths in the sprint and singles. “The European Youth Olympic Winter Festival was something very special, because you could feel the Olympic flair everywhere. Even if nothing changes in the competitions, it feels different to a normal competition.”

A broad chest for the world championships

At the IBU Junior and Youth World Championships in Oestersund in March, he finished in the top seven in every race. The silver medal in the individual and the bronze medal in the relay crowned his season. The difficult conditions in Oestersund with wind and wet tracks favored rather than hindered his style. He finished second in the total score of the Junior Cup. “I am very proud of my performance this season. I've realized that my continuous training is paying off. I want to continue this summer to get even better,” says the 18-year-old. He is now a member of the Polish team's A squad and trains with new head coach Uroš Velepec.

A late starter in the biathlon

Grzegorz Galica only took up biathlon at the age of 13. A friend took him to the shooting range for training. Galica had never even heard of biathlon before. But his enthusiasm for the sport quickly spread and he transferred to the sports high school in Zakopane. Next year, he wants to complete his A-levels there and then concentrate fully on the sport. “It's not always easy to combine competitive sport and school. I often have to study when I'm out training or competing to pass my exams when I'm back at school. But I know that a good school-leaving certificate is important.”

This doesn't leave much time for his other hobbies, such as biking or working on cars. He enjoys doing this with his father. In sport, Grzegorz Galica takes his lead from the Norwegians. “I find it impressive how strong the team is. You can learn something from every single athlete.” He would like to live in Scandinavia one day, because he likes nature and mentality. But before that, a biathlon career awaits Grzegorz Galica.

Photos: IBU I Deubert, Koksarov, private