04 Dec 2023

IBU-IOC Winter Camp Pokljuka 2023

The IBU-IOC Winter Camp Pokljuka, co-funded by Olympic Solidarity, was a full success. The camp, which was held from November 25 to December 3, aimed at gearing up for the first IBU Junior Cup of the 23/24 season, brought together 68 athletes and 18 coaches from 18 different federations for seven days of intensive training.

Focusing on preparing athletes for the competition season, the camp covered skiing and shooting techniques, test competitions, mental preparation, and fast recovery strategies. Under the guidance of IBU Head Coach Armin Kasslatter and a team of four expert IBU coaches - Nika Blazenic, Nusa Pogacar, Ilario Maddalin, and Anna Sprung - participants honed their skills and strategies.

"It is great to see how much progress these young athletes made during our week in Pokljuka. They should be well prepared for the Junior IBU Cup next week", said Armin Kasslatter, IBU Head Coach.

Adding to the camp's value, Tadeja Brankovic, a former Slovenian athlete, joined as an Athlete Role model. For three days, she shared insights from her career and the life challenges she faced, providing invaluable lessons to the attendees.

The educational aspect of the camp was supported by four sessions:

Exploring how values influence decision-making in performance enhancement, a workshop organized by the Biathlon Integrity Union (BIU).
An exclusive race preparation webinar for coaches, led by Jonas Johansson, Head of Development and Education, NF SWE.
A session on mental preparation for competitions, primarily for athletes, by Dr. Amelie Heinrich, a sports psychologist and scientist.
Tips on fast recovery after competitions from Dr. Katharina Blume, Team Doctor, NF GER.

An afternoon was dedicated to team-building workshops, organized by a professional company, fostering camaraderie among the participants. The camp also featured one test competition - a short Single-Mix Relay - to put the athletes' newly sharpened skills to the test.

Results Short Single-Mix Relay

The Winter Camp culminated in a social evening at a pizzeria in Bled, where the camp concluded with a competition ceremony, marking the end of a fruitful and enriching experience for all involved. The IBU-IOC Winter Camp Pokljuka 2023 is a testament to the IBU's commitment to nurturing young talents and enhancing the spirit of biathlon.