IBU Academy working group

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.

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Anaïs Bescond joined the national team in 2008 and secured six major international medals, including two golds. Notably, she won bronze in the women's relay at the 2018 Winter Olympics and gold in the women's relay at the 2017 World Championships. After retiring in 2022, Anaïs continues to inspire as a coach and mentor.

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.

Profile

A former professional skier and German Junior Champion, Bernd Eisenbichler served as USA Biathlon's High Performance Director and Chief of Sport, achieving a 400% budget increase and four World Championship medals. From 2019 to 2022, he was Biathlon Sports Director at the German Ski Association, contributing to an Olympic gold and seven World Championship medals. He is currently CEO of MALOJA CLOTHING GmbH.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Barbara Petrahn is a former professional track and field athlete. She previously managed a multi-sport club with over 1,000 members and is a member of the European Athletics Development Commission, focusing on safeguarding, mentoring, coaches networking, and gender equity. Barbara is also involved in the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

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.

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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.