Oskar Brandt: University Team Coach

Oskar Brandt is a former Swedish biathlete who has transitioned into coaching following the end of his active career. While competing, Oskar experienced the structured lifestyle of elite sport, where training, recovery, and planning were central to daily life. After retiring, this routine changed significantly, offering both new challenges and freedoms, particularly the ability to travel without the constant focus on performance or the logistics of carrying a rifle (“holy cow it's nice 😉“).

Oskar’s transition into coaching was not part of a long-term plan, but rather an opportunity he chose to pursue. When a position opened within the Swedish Biathlon Federation, he made a quick decision to apply. Shortly after, he began working as a university coach, marking the start of his coaching career and a new role within the sport.

To further develop his coaching skills, Oskar enrolled in the IBU Academy Second Level Coach Education Course. This step was a turning point, helping him grow in experience and solidifying his identity as a coach rather than a former athlete. The support from the IBU Athletes Involvement Project was essential in making this possible, providing financial assistance that enabled him and his federation to access an international, biathlon-specific education.

Through the program, Oskar built a strong international network of coaches who share the same ambition to develop within biathlon. These connections continue to be valuable during competitions such as the IBU Cup, offering opportunities to exchange knowledge and stay connected within the global biathlon community.

In his current role, Oskar focuses on supporting athletes in their development, applying both his experience as a former elite athlete and his growing coaching expertise. His journey highlights how new career paths in biathlon can emerge unexpectedly, supported by education, community, and the right opportunities.

“If you love biathlon and want to work in the "biathlon family" I would 100% recommend anyone to go through with the Athletes Involvement Project. It's such a nice opportunity to get help for you starting your coaching career or your life after your elite career if you want to stay in biathlon.” - Oskar Brandt