After 17 years on the World Cup circuit and 15 championship medals, it is all over. The biathlon star has decided to retire.

During the World Cup in Nové Město last weekend, the final round before the Olympics, she announced her retirement.

After the mass start in Nové Město on Sunday, Italian biathlon star Dorothea Wierer was celebrated. It is now clear that the home Olympics in February will be her last.

“The crowd was completely wild. I’m happy to end this journey, which I started with the Junior Cup in 2011. I really appreciate the love I get from the fans,” Wierer told FondoItalia.

The response moved the 35-year-old.

“I didn’t expect this, because I’ve been here for many years. I have a good relationship with the fans. They are the ones who make it possible for us to create this joy. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible. I thank them for everything, and I was a bit emotional, even if I may not have shown it. And it was nice to celebrate with everyone in the support staff and those who work behind the scenes,” she said.

Wierer is not the only Italian star retiring after the Olympics this year. For cross-country skiing star Federico Pellegrino, the 50km at the Olympics will be his last race. He will be 35 then. And then it’s over.

Also Read: Pellegrino’s final season: Italy’s sprint icon eyes Olympic legacy

A long and difficult decision

The Italian biathlon star sat on the fence for a long time before finally deciding to commit to the home Olympics. It was not until the summer that she made the decision, and it was not a given that she would go for the Games.

Now Wierer is looking forward to her very last championship, the Olympics in Anterselva, where she grew up and has had some of her greatest successes. She now hopes to succeed there one last time.

“I will try to do my best, regardless of the result. I will try to stay focused, and then we’ll see what shape I’m in.”

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An outstanding career

Ahead of her final championship, the 35-year-old has three Olympic medals from three different Games (Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018, and Beijing 2022), four World Championship gold medals, and 20 World Cup victories. She has won the overall World Cup twice (2019 and 2020). Since her debut in the 2009 season, Wierer has competed in more than 400 World Cup races.

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milano-Cortina from February 6 to 22. All biathlon events will take place in Anholz/Anterselva, with the first competition scheduled for February 8.

Read More: Program for biathlon at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

Biathlon schedule – Milano-Cortina 2026

• Feb 8: 14:05 CET: Mixed Relay 4×6 km
• Feb 10: 13:30 CET: 20 km Individual, men
• Feb 11: 14:15 CET: 15 km Individual, women
• Feb 13: 14:00 CET: 10 km Sprint, men
• Feb 14: 14:00 CET: 7.5 km Sprint, women
• Feb 15: 11:15 CET: 12.5 km Pursuit, men & 14:45 CET: 10 km Pursuit, women
• Feb 17: 14:30 CET: Men’s 4×7.5 km Relay
• Feb 18: 14:45 CET: Women’s 4×6 km Relay
• Feb 20: 14:15 CET: 15 km Mass Start, men
• Feb 21: 14:15 CET: 12.5 km Mass Start, women

Complete program for the Winter Olympic Games can be found HERE

Antholz-Anterselva promises breathtaking courses for athletes and spectacular viewing for fans. With every shot and ski stride counting, the biathletes will aim for the podium in every race, making the biathlon one of the most eagerly watched events of the 2026 Winter Games.

Are you interested in biathlon? Click HERE and read more about it.

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