IBU Academy working group
The IBU Academy Working Group is a dedicated team of experts providing invaluable support and guidance across all educational initiatives within the IBU Academy. Their collective expertise ensures the development and implementation of high-quality programs that advance the sport of biathlon.
Matthias AHRENS
GER | IBU Educator & former Head Biathlon Head Coach
Profile
With over 25 years in biathlon and Nordic skiing, Matthias Ahrens is an IBU Academy educator and mentor. Since 2019, he has been Head Coach at the National Development Training Centre in Canmore. Previously, he served 14 years as National Team and Head Coach for Biathlon Canada, coaching at the 2010, 2014, and 2018 Winter Olympics.
Nika BLAZENIC
SLO | IBU Cup Coach in Slovenia
Profile
Nika Blazenic is originally from Croatia and currently serves as a coach in Slovenia for the IBU Cup Team. She completed the IBU Academy First Level & Second Level Courses and the IBU Mentorship Programme. She also serves as an Educator in the IBU Academy Basic and First Level Courses.
Knut KUVAS BREVIK
NOR | Head of Coach Development and Education NOR
Profile
Knut Kuvas Brevik works as head of coach development and education in the Norwegian Biathlon Association. He has worked as a teacher and coach for youth and juniors at a sport gymnasium in Trondheim and as a coach for Norway's IBU-cup team. In addition, he coaches beginners and young biathletes in his local club. He was also responsible for the making of Norway’s long-term athlete development model for biathlon.
Maija HOLOPAINEN
FIN | IBU Cup Coach in Finland
Profile
Maija Holopainen is a former biathlete in the Finnish National Team. After finishing her career, she served as a coach at the Vuokatti-Ruka Urheiluakatemia and the Finnish Biathlon Association’s youth national team. Currently, she serves as a coach for the IBU Cup team. She completed the IBU Academy Second and Third Level Courses.
Dagmara GERASIMUK
POL | IBU Development Director
Profile
Dagmara Gerasimuk has over a decade of experience in sports management and development. Formerly Secretary General and President of the Polish Biathlon Association, she holds a Ph.D. in Sports Science and lectures at the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice. At the IBU, she oversees development programs and implements the gender equality strategy.
Jonas JOHANSSON
SWE | Head of Education at Swedish Biathlon
Profile
Jonas Johansson is working at the Swedish Biathlon Federation as Head of Education and Development. He is a former biathlete and from 2005 to 2022 coach at junior, development, and top level. Jonas has a University Education in Sport Science and an Elite Coach certification from the Swedish National Sport Federation.
Marko LAAKSONEN
FIN | Sport Scientist and Professor @ Mid Sweden University
Profile
Marko Laaksonen has over two decades of experience in biathlon research, coaching, and athlete development. He holds a Ph.D. in Sport Sciences, focusing on the physiological and biomechanical aspects of biathlon, and has collaborated with organizations like the International Biathlon Union and national biathlon federations.
Wolfgang PICHLER
GER | Member of Swedish Olympic Commitee and former Biathlon Head Coach
Profile
Wolfgang Pichler has prepared athletes for nine Olympic Games since 1992, coaching national biathlon teams from Sweden, Russia, Switzerland, and Great Britain, as well as Germany's women's cross-country skiing team. Twice voted biathlon coach of the year, he has worked as a talent developer for the Swedish Olympic Committee since 2019.
Gerold SATTLECKER
AUT | Head of IBU Academy
Profile
Gerold Sattlecker is responsible for developing and implementing educational programs for coaches and officials worldwide. He holds a Ph.D. in Communication Science and a Master's in Sports Science, with extensive experience in sports education, talent development, and performance analysis. Previously, he served as a lecturer and researcher at various universities and sports institutions.