Winning two World Cup Mass Starts - and achieving six further podiums - was not enough for Elvira Oeberg to battle for the Total Score win with Franziska Preuss and Lou Jeanmonnot. Sickness after Ruhpolding came at the most unfortunate timing, just before the Antholz-Anterselva week, which not only served as the last test before the World Championships but also allowed Preuss and Jeanmonnot to win enough point distance to put Oeberg out of the contest.

But Elvira emerged from the unplanned break with a more measured approach than we were used to seeing with her. One of the fastest skiers, she paced her races to perfection in Lenzerheide and won the Mass Start for her first-ever gold medal at the BMW IBU World Championships. In Oslo, Oeberg raced shoulder-to-shoulder with Preuss and Jeanmonnot and witnessed the most dramatic season's finish ever from inside. With her eyes on the Total Score win for the next season, Elvira talks about the lessons she learned in 2024/2025.

BW: What was the first thing you did when the 2024/2025 season ended?

Elvira Oeberg: After the season, I took some much needed rest and relaxed from biathlon. I made sure to eat well, spend time with friends and family, and just unwind—putting biathlon aside for a while.

BW: From a safe distance of a few weeks, your last season seems like two halves. You opened the season skiing out of this world but were perhaps impatient on the shooting range. You closed the season with a much more balanced biathlon—what Johannes Thingnes Boe likes to call a really good biathlon.

How did you see it?

EO: My approach depends on my ski shape each day. Early in the season, I’m usually in great form, which can be both an advantage and a challenge. I managed this well at first, but later struggled to find that perfect balance. When my skiing isn’t as strong, I have to adapt—sometimes relying less on speed can actually help. Ideally, I prefer being in top shape, but illness made that difficult this year. When everything clicks—skiing, shooting, and focus—it all becomes much easier. I had an amazing start in Kontiolahti, but consistency became harder to maintain afterward.

BW: You fell ill after winning in the Mass Start in Ruhpolding. How did your illness after Ruhpolding affect your season?

EO: Getting sick after the mass start in Ruhpolding disrupted my season. When I’m in the zone, everything flows effortlessly. The win in Ruhpolding—with clean shooting—was a confidence boost, but falling ill right after affected my preparation for the World Championships. Missing Antholz also ended my chances of competing for the overall title, which was frustrating.

BW: What changes did you make to your approach after your unplanned break?

EO: I worried about repeating past struggles at Worlds. This time, illness forced us to adjust altitude training and race plans day by day. Normally, I thrive on heavy training, but we had to be cautious. Altitude has always been tough for me, so falling behind in preparation added stress.

BW: Your approach in Lenzerheide appeared (much) more measured than usual. How did you prepare for Lenzerheide with your energies depleted after the sickness?

EO: With uncertain ski form, I had to reset my expectations. Instead of aiming for perfection, I focused on curiosity—seeing what I could achieve. I trusted my base fitness and knew that performing at my usual level would keep me in medal contention. The pressure of wanting that first individual Worlds medal was real, but I stayed focused on execution, not outcomes.

BW: And how did it feel to win your first-ever gold medal at the BMW IBU World Championships in Lenzerheide - and that despite all the issues in the days leading up to Lenzerheide?

EO: Winning the mass start was a dream come true. Biathlon is my life, and standing on that podium as world champion—especially after a tough race—was incredible. Sharing it with my sister and team made it even more special. That final loop, when Hannah brought the flag over, is a moment I’ll never forget.

BW: What was your first-hand experience racing shoulder-to-shoulder with Franziska Preuss and Lou Jeanmonnot in Oslo?

EO: They both had an incredible season, and I was really impressed by their fight. Being in the mix with them during the final weekend made me feel like I truly belong at the top— among the best, in the top three. But in that final race, especially on the last loop, when I caught up to them, I thought: I can’t get in the way—I need to stay clear and not risk disrupting anything, because so much was at stake.

BW: What lessons did you learn this season, and how do they shape your outlook for next year?

EO: I’ve learned that I can truly rely on my capacity—when I stay calm and stick to my routine, that’s when I perform best. Even after a poor sprint, I can turn it around with a great pursuit. I remind myself that I’m not just one of the best skiers—I’m one of the best biathletes. That mindset is important. I’ve also realised that things don’t have to go exactly to plan for the outcome to be good. And when it comes to getting sick, there’s always a worse time for it to happen—so you just deal with it as it comes.

BW: With your sights now set on the Total Score in the next season, what will you do differently to ensure you're in the fight until the final week?

EO: It's not the skiing I need to improve—it's the shooting. But I know that in decisive moments on the range, I can perform at my best. I just need to stay calm and trust my process.To be in the fight for the overall score, you can't control everything. Staying healthy and being able to race consistently is a major factor—probably the biggest challenge. You need a high baseline performance and avoid bad races.

For me, the key is improving my shooting in the sprint events and staying healthy throughout the season. The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will also be in the center of my thoughts.