Favourite moments from season 2023-2024

The biathlon season 23/24 offered us so many spectacular and exciting highlights during the winter: from finish line sprints to battles of nerves at the shooting range, from the respect for the rivals to the interactions with fans. We saw it all. To remember some of them, we asked the IBU Media team together with the fans to share their special moments from the past season.

Superstar visit in Lenzerheide

"Among the many dramatic battles and moments of true emotions, it's hard to pick just one favorite. Yet, amidst many highlights, one standout memory was when tennis legend Roger Federer surprised us all with his visit to the World Cup in Lenzerheide. His appearance brought a thrilling burst of excitement and importance to the event, showing the unity of sportsmanship and the high importance of the biathlon World Cup for the country as a whole. Everyone was thrilled and also honored to have such an iconic figure among them. And who knows, maybe Roger will also visit the WCHs in Lenzerheide next year to inspire our athletes to reach new heights and support the Swiss team at their home ground?!"

- Mariya Osolodkina, World Cup Media Manager

Home Champs hero

"My favourite moment was when Tomas Mikyska took 10th place at the World Championships. It was in Nove Mesto, Czechia which is my home country. It was a big thing for us here. Also, Tomas has not won anything in a long time so when he finished 10th on his birthday, it was epic!"

- @_.marfus_ on Instagram

Heart-warming hug between competitors

"My favourite moment from the season was the hug between Lisa Vittozzi and Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold at the finish of the women's mass start in Canmore. It was a heart-warming moment for so many reasons: Vittozzi finally put back all the ghosts from that elusive World Cup that she lost in 2019 and crowned her lifetime goal of winning the Total Score; Ingrid, who had been in yellow for most of the season showed how graceful she was in defeat being the first one to congratulate Lisa and spent a full minute hugging and exchanging words of friendship there. Truly, what sports is all about!"

- Giulio Gasparin, IBU Media Team

Photofinish in Holmenkollen

"I always enjoy watching an exciting sprint finish but this finish in the single mixed relay in Holmenkollen was another level. With a hundred meters to go, it seemed like Sebastian Samuelsson was going to win. Then Christiansen showed his physical and mental strength, sending a message that you should never give up. An amazing comeback after the NMNM relay."

- @kristina.mackova on Instagram

Janina's silver in the World Championships

"Janina Hettich-Walz's silver medal in Nove Mesto na Morave was my favourite moment of the season. She has been a part of the German World Cup team for quite a long time. But this was her first individual podium at the World Championships. When she crossed the finish line, you could see that she was super surprised and that was a really sweet moment. She was really moved by her own success!"

- @mallenschnalle on Instagram

Julia's introduction to the World Cup

"I interviewed Julia Tannheimer after her victory in the Mass Start 60 at the IBU Cup in Sjusjoen. Tannheimer, still only 18, and - not yet fully aware of her enormous potential - after the win, it dawned on her that she really might be an exceptional talent. She went on to have a spectacular World Cup debut in Ruhpolding, and she rocked the IBU Youth & Junior World Championships in Otepaa. Priceless!"

- Jaka Lucu, Publications Manager

World Championships Men's Relay

"During the day of the men's relay, the stadium in Nove Mesto was sold out, the atmosphere was electric, and the crowd was cheering for all the athletes transmitting them all of their energy! That day we had the confirmation of how biathlon could be "Beauty and Cruelty" at the same time. Norway, the pre-announced gold medal winner, was leading the competition but, due to a bad final standing shooting, was unpredictably overtaken by Sweden. The crowd got crazy when the Swedish team completed the comeback and celebrated the meaningful victory with the fans. This is my favourite moment of the season as it represents the reasons and values that make us love biathlon: sportsmanship, unpredictability, and never-ending emotions. Biathlon is biathlon!"

- Lorenzo Giovacchini, Digital Marketing Manager

Finnish surprise in Holmenkollen

"As a Finn, I have no other option than the Finnish single mixed relay podium from Holmenkollen. I knew that if both Otto Invenius and Suvi Minkkinen shot well, they had a chance for the TOP 3 spot but it was still truly spectacular that they managed to do it. The first Finnish relay podium since 1999! After the race, both athletes were a little bit lost on what to do and where to go and it was amazing to witness their emotions right next to them."

- Jenni Ahonen, IBU Media Team

French dominance in Nove Mesto

"Women's sprint at the World Championships illustrated perfectly the strength of the French team during the World Champs and all season long. With Julia's excellent shooting, Justine's amazing pace on the skis, and Lou, who had her breakthrough season, being very consistent. The best image was Lou inviting Sophie to the podium to join her for the Marseillaise to celebrate this result, along with the staff. Jeanne's reaction of joy and surprise when she realised that her teammates were the TOP 4 summarised how amazing this result was."

- @lucie.olgt on Instagram

Photos: IBU Photopool