The winners of the 2024-2025 IBU Awards for Excellence in the categories of Sustainability, Gender Equality and Social Media were announced tonight during a special ‘Night of Biathlon’ held on the occasion of the inaugural Loop One Festival.

The evening’s highlight saw the presentation of the IBU Awards recognising excellence in National Federations, Organising Committees (OCs) and athletes across the three award categories. A jury had shortlisted three entries across Sustainability, Gender Equality and Social Media before the winner was revealed.

The winners are:

• NF Award for Excellence in Sustainability: 2024/2025 Fédération Française de Ski

• OC Award for Excellence in Sustainability: 2024/2025 OC Lenzerheide

• NF Award for Excellence in Gender Equality: 2024/2025 Norwegian Biathlon Association

• NF Award for Excellence in Social Media: 2024/2025 Swedish Biathlon Federation

• Athlete Award for Excellence in Social Media: 2024/2025 Edgars Mise (LAT)

Winners in the National Federation and Organising Committee categories received 10,000€ each while the winning athlete in the Social Media receives 5,000€.

The ceremony brought together biathlon legends, IBU National Federations, sponsors and broadcasters for a celebration of biathlon and all those who contribute to the sport’s global success.

IBU President Olle Dahlin, IBU Secretary General Max Cobb and IBU Sport & Events Director Daniel Böhm welcomed guests and spoke of their expectations for the Loop One Festival and its impact on attracting new audiences to the sport.

An engaging panel discussion followed with three of the sport’s biggest superstars – six-time Olympic champion and seven-time overall World Cup winner Martin Fourcade; eight-time Olympic champion and twenty-time World Champion Olle Einar Bjørndalen and double Olympic champion and twelve-time World Champion, Magdalena Neuner. During the discussion, the biathlon legends discussed their careers, how to engage young people, as well as the upcoming Olympic Winter Games.

The Loop One Festival continues tomorrow with the men’s and women’s Super Sprint while fans will continue to be able to engage in a host of interactive activities.

Photo: IBU/Manzoni