IBU-IOC Camp: Growing Together in Arber

06 Oct 2025

IBU-IOC Camp: Growing Together in Arber

For this year´s IBU Youth International Camp, 17 National Federations and 61 young athletes between the ages of 15 and 21 gathered from 27 September to 4 October in Arber, Germany. The camp was supported by the IOC´s Olympic Solidarity Program.

This year’s edition offered athletes a unique opportunity to train and learn at the venue of the upcoming IBU Youth/Junior World Championships, while continuing to strengthen the international biathlon family.

Under the leadership of IBU Head Coach Matthias Ahrens (GER) and supported by an experienced team of IBU Instructors, as there were Luca Bormolini (ITA), Sven Fischer (GER), Nika Blaženic (CRO), Martina Seidl (GER), Dominic Schmuck (GER), and Ina Metzner (GER), the week provided a balance of training and education.

Roller ski sessions focused on technique, race tactics, combination shooting, and strength training, while athletes also enjoyed hikes in the beautiful Bavarian mountains. The camp concluded with an exciting mixed relay in the Arber stadium, where participants could apply their new skills and experience in the atmosphere of competing at the future World Championship venue.

Beyond the Shooting Range

The program extended beyond sport-specific training, featuring a variety of lectures and workshops designed to inspire both athletes and coaches:

An anti-doping workshop delivered by the Biathlon Integrity Unit.
Coaching soft skills with Matthias Ahrens.
Becoming a champion with Zibi Szlufcik.
Race preparation with Dominik Windisch.

The camp once again highlighted the IBU’s strong commitment to athlete and coach development, ensuring that all participants, regardless of their nation’s experience level, had the opportunity to grow and learn together.

Importantly, this year’s program was tailored to provide a high-quality training environment not only for established B-nations but also for emerging and smaller nations, reinforcing the belief that future champions can grow from anywhere.

Dominik Windisch (ITA, NF Coach): “This camp was valuable for both more and less developed teams to understand different realities. Even a strong team like Italy can gain a lot, while smaller nations show they can also achieve great things and grow future champions. By sharing strengths and weaknesses and learning from each other, everyone improves.”

Nika Blaženic (CRO, NF Coach in SLO): “I’m proud to be part of the IBU development team and to see more female coaches leading these camps each year. Together, we are building an image of inspiring role models for the next generation of athletes.”

The IBU extends its gratitude to the Organizing Committee in Arber for their outstanding professionalism and warm hospitality in hosting the camp.