The IBU Coach Education Program, delivered via the IBU Academy, has been formally recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a good practice in the IOC’s recent publication Good Practices to Encourage Women Coaches in International Federations.

Link: IOC Program for Good Practices to Encourage Women Coaches

This external recognition underscores the IBU Academy’s commitment to gender equality, capacity-building, and high-quality coach education. It validates our work in building strong pathways for coaches — especially women — at all levels of biathlon. Furthermore, the IBU Academy´s coach education program is strongly supported by the IOC´s Olympic Solidarity (OS) Program. This backing ensures that our programmes remain affordable and accessible for member federations, helping to lower barriers for aspiring coaches worldwide.

Alignment with IBU Gender Equality Strategy 2021–2026

This recognition ties directly into the IBU Gender Equality Strategy 2021–2026, notably the strategic goal to increase the recruitment and development of women coaches, referees, and officials at the highest level of biathlon, while maintaining balance in competition formats, technical rules, and ensuring equal pay.

One of the core objectives in the strategy is to encourage women to enrol in IBU Academy courses and seminars, and to organise dedicated courses for women — a goal we have pursued since 2022.

Link: IBU Gender Equality Strategy