The Swiss Olympian, former cross-country athlete, turned biathlete has revealed she is expecting a baby.

Lydia Hiernickel, who competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics for Switzerland in cross-country skiing, took to Instagram this morning to share the exciting baby news with her followers.

Hiernickel, 27, posted: “This winter will look quite different. No competition season – instead, a new challenge is waiting…” She went on to confirm that she’ll be taking a break from competition for the winter season, saying, “See you back in the competition bib next season; my biathlon heart is now beating twice as hard.”

Read more: From the Tour de Ski to the Biathlon World Championship

This baby announcement means Hiernickel will not compete in the 2025 IBU World Championships in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, scheduled for February. However, the timing of her pregnancy may align perfectly for a return in time for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

For more information about IBU and the upcoming season see more below:

Biathlon World Cup and World Championships: Calendar for the 2024/2025 winter season 

Lenzerheide World Championships – February 12 – 23, 2025

• February 12, 14:30 CET: Mixed Relay (W+M)
• February 14, 15:05 CET: Women 7.5km Sprint
• February 15, 15:05 CET: Men 10km Sprint
• February 16, 12:05 CET: Women 10km Pursuit
• February 16, 15:05 CET: Men 12.5km Pursuit
• February 18, 15:05 CET: Women 15km Individual
• February 19, 15:05 CET: Men 20km Individual
• February 20, 16:05 CET: Single Mixed Relay (W+M)
• February 22, 12:05 CET: Women 4x6km Relay
• February 22, 15:05 CET: Men 4×7.5km Relay
• February 23, 13:45 CET: Women 12.5km Mass Start
• February 23, 16:05 CET: Men 15km Mass Start