As part of its ongoing commitment to Sustainability, the IBU partnered with Protect Our Winters (POW) to host a series of Athlete Sustainability Workshops during the 2024/2025 season. These workshops provided athletes with insights into climate change and their potential to drive positive change within their communities.

The first workshop took place at the IBU Junior Cup in Ridnaun, Italy, in December, followed by a session for IBU Cup athletes during the Open European Championships in Martell, Italy, in January. The final two workshops were held at the Youth and Junior World Championships in Östersund, Sweden, in March. In total, some 50 athletes from 10 different National Federations participated.

For more insights from the Östersund workshop, read the article here.

Each workshop contained an overview of climate change causes and trends, both positive and negative. When asked about their personal experiences with climate change, athletes shared strikingly similar concerns. A key discussion point was how national team athletes, as elite athletes, can use their platform to influence their communities in ways that ordinary individuals cannot. Their followers look up to them, paying close attention to their actions and decisions.

The POW facilitators emphasized the power of leading by example rather than lecturing, showcasing inspiring cases of athletes making an impact through their everyday choices. The sessions highlighted how an individual voice can often resonate more strongly than an organizational message.

The workshops are part of the IBU’s long-standing collaboration with POW, which has already included successful workshops within the IBU Athlete Ambassador Program. This initiative reflects the IBU’s broader commitment to promoting sustainability in biathlon and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the sport.

All participating athletes received a customised chocolate bar featuring a QR code linking to the IBU’s online sustainability course. This tailored one-hour course provides biathletes with guidance on how to use their platform to advocate for sustainability effectively.

The importance of athletes taking an active role in climate advocacy was highlighted by the participants:

Alexander Weigl (Austria):

Felix Ratschiller (Italy):

Chloe Dupont (Great Britain):

By equipping athletes with knowledge and practical tools, the IBU continues to foster a community of biathletes who recognize their influence and use it to drive sustainable change. The future of winter sports depends on collective action today.