Good-bye 2023: Looking into the 2024 Crystal Ball

New Years resolutions and new goals, what does the Biathlon Crystal Ball reveal as the calendar flips over to 2024?

Our five resolutions for the Biathlon Family:

1. The German team resolves to make the fans happy with podiums in Oberhof and Ruhpolding.

2. Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen resolves to make his demotion from the World Cup a one-week affair.

3. Justine Braisaz-Bouchet resolves to stay in Yellow all month.

4. JT Boe resolves to make everyone forget his slow start to the season.

5. Converted cross-country skiers Stina Nilsson and Anamarija Lampic resolve to improve their biathlon fortunes.

German Team Excels

The German team, especially the men had an excellent first trimester. Yellow Bibs and victories punctuated the first three World Cups. Look for the men on the podium in their two home World Cups, always a pressure-packed tough task, but a very realistic chance this January. As for the ladies, Franziska Preuss recovered from illness, is ready for more podiums and just the spark to put the women’s relay team on the podium in January and at the IBU World Championships.

Norwegian Revolving Door

Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen is out for Oberhof, but expect him back on anchor duties in Ruhpolding. Jenny Enodd looks like next up for the women when someone else misses expectations.

Justine Braisaz-Bouchet in Yellow

Justine will roll through January, holding the Yellow Bib all the way into Nove Mesto, backed up by her newfound shooting prowess and always solid track performances. Lou Jeanmonnot will be second in the World Cup Total Score by the end of the January with Elvira Oeberg solidly in third position.

JT Boe, who else?

JT Boe found his footing as December progressed and simply put…end of story; the drama is over. JT, master of the tracks while possessing an uncanny ability to shoot standing faster and clean in than anyone ever imagined will build up another insurmountable lead in the Total Score. Make room in the trophy case for big Crystal Globe number 5!

Stina and Anamarija

Stina Nilsson gradually found her form in the IBU Cup circuit with 7th, 3rd, and 6th places in Sjusjoen. Her shooting remains suspect, but the track talent will carry her back to the World Cup.

Her Slovenian counterpart Anamarija Lampic still shoots like a novice frequently, but in a place like Ruhpolding with its shooter-Friendly range, all she needs is a two-penalty sprint and her blazing skis will carry Lampic to that elusive first World Cup podium.

Everyone had almost three weeks to rest, recover and regroup after Lenzerheide. Surely, everyone resolved to be better in some way in the new year, now it is all about executing in the coming weeks and months.

One final resolution: the whole Biathlon Family resolves to continue to provide more excitement and thrills for our fans in 2024 and beyond!

Photos: IBU/Christian Manzoni, Per Danielsson, Jasmin Walter

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