Third Level Course completed

The IBU Academy has proudly concluded the third and final week of its pilot third-level Coach Education course, marking an important milestone in biathlon coach development. From 7–11 July, Salzburg hosted the concluding module of an ambitious program that has spanned eight months and multiple international venues.

A Three-Part Journey Across Europe

This third-level course, the highest level within the IBU Academy's coach education system, has been carefully structured to deliver high-level education:

• First week: Held in Oslo at the Norwegian School of Sport Science

• Second week: Conducted at Mid Sweden University in Östersund

• Third week: Completed in Salzburg, Austria.

In total, 10 dedicated participants from 9 different National Federations successfully completed this demanding pilot course.

Intensive Eight-Month Curriculum

Beyond the in-person weeks, the course challenged participants with a comprehensive blended-learning model:

• Multiple tasks on the IBU Academy’s e-learning platform, LearningSuite.

• At least four mentorship sessions with experienced coaches.

• Participation in seven online lectures led by international experts.

This approach ensured that learning was continuous, practical, and adaptable to the modern coaching environment.

A Rich and Diverse Final Week

The Salzburg module offered a wide-ranging curriculum designed to prepare coaches for the highest levels of professional responsibility. Key topics and instructors included:

• Psychological Aspects of Coaching – Thomas Finkenzeller

• Leadership Skills – Paul Friedl

• Skiing Technique – Trond Nystad

• Nutritional Aspects in Major Events – Judith Haudum

• Shooting Aspects at Major Events – Matthias Ahrens

• Biathlon Integrity – Lucie Rothauer & Katharina Gatterer

• The Business of Sport – Dagmara Gerasimuk & Daniel Böhm

These sessions combined academic rigor with real-world expertise, ensuring coaches are well-prepared to support athletes at the highest level of competition.

Certification Ceremony Highlights

A clear highlight of the final week was the certification ceremony held on 10 July. Dagmara Gerasimuk, IBU Development Director, and Gerold Sattlecker, Head of the IBU Academy, presented certificates to the graduating coaches, recognizing their commitment and achievement.

Gerold Sattlecker reflected on the significance of the moment, saying:

"It is great to see how the coaches in this highest level of the IBU Coach Education program have developed during the last month. Now the IBU Academy has completed all four different courses at least once. That makes us proud."