As the new winter biathlon season approaches, excitement is building around a new generation of Czech athletes making their way into the international spotlight. From Junior World Championship medals to impressive senior debuts, these young biathletes have shown the potential to become the next leaders of Czech biathlon.

We take a closer look at five standout names — three women and two men — who have already proven themselves on the international stage and could make a significant impact in the coming years.

Ilona Plecháčová

Born on December 26, 2006, in Jilemnice, Ilona Plecháčová is one of the brightest prospects in Czech biathlon. She began her athletic journey in cross-country skiing before transitioning to biathlon under the guidance of coach Tomáš Holubec. She now trains with the junior national team, led by Jindřich Šikola, who has previously coached Olympic medalists Veronika Vítková and Markéta Davidová.

Standing out for her powerful skiing and stable shooting, Plecháčová has already built an impressive résumé:

• 2023: Bronze medal in the sprint at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF).
• 2024: Gold medal in the individual race at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea — the first-ever biathlon gold medal for the Czech Republic at the event — plus bronze in the mixed relay.
• 2024 Youth & Junior World Championships in Otepää: Silver in the individual, and two bronzes in the relay and mixed relay.
• 2025 Youth & Junior World Championships in Östersund: Gold in the youth category (the first Czech victory since Veronika Vítková, 19 years ago), plus bronzes in the sprint and mass start — making her the most successful Czech athlete of the championships.

Despite her young age, she has already competed at the 2025 World Championships in Lenzerheide as part of the Czech relay team. She regularly starts in the IBU Cup, where she has even claimed a stage victory (sprint in Jakuszyce, 2025).

Heda Mikolášová

Born on February 17, 2006, in Brno, Heda Mikolášová represents SKP Kornspitz Jablonec and competes with the Czech women’s B team. Known for her exceptional skiing speed, she continues to refine her shooting and tactical racing.

Her breakout season came in 2024:

• 2024 Junior European Championships in Jakuszyce (Poland): Bronze medal in the mass start, even with two missed shots — an impressive result against athletes up to three years older.
• 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon: Bronze in the mixed relay and two fourth places in individual events (sprint and individual).
• First senior IBU Cup start (Obertilliach): 14th place in the sprint — an impressive debut among adults.

Kateřina Pavlů

Born August 11, 2003, Kateřina Pavlů has developed into a complete biathlete, combining sharp shooting with improved skiing form. A member of the Jablonec club, she began biathlon at age ten and now balances her sporting career with studies at the Technical University of Liberec.

Her 2025 season brought a significant breakthrough:

• 2025 Junior World Championships in Altenberg: Gold in the mass start (shooting 0+1+1+0) and bronze in the single mixed relay with David Eliáš.
• Her strong results earned her a call-up to the senior World Championships in Lenzerheide, where she made her debut in the relay.

Petr Hák

Born on May 30, 2003, in Jilemnice, Petr Hák comes from a family deeply rooted in biathlon. His father, Zdeněk Hák, was a top Czechoslovak athlete, while his mother, Eva Háková (Burešová), won gold in the relay at the 1993 World Championships and two bronzes (1989, 1992).

Now part of the Czech senior national team, Hák is coached by Michael Málek and Ondřej Moravec. He has developed into a well-balanced athlete with steady shooting and powerful skiing.

Key achievements:

• 2022 EYOF (Vuokatti, Finland): Gold in the sprint and silver in the mixed relay.
• 2025 Junior Worlds in Östersund: Double bronze — in the sprint and pursuit — showing great finishing speed.
• World Cup debut: March 2025 in Oslo-Holmenkollen — 35th place in the sprint with clean shooting (0+0), scoring points in his very first senior race — the best Czech men’s debut in World Cup history.

David Eliáš

Born October 19, 2005, in Příbram, David Eliáš represents Biatlon Zadov and trains with the Czech B team. Known for his accuracy on the range and steady improvement on skis, Eliáš has built momentum with strong performances at both junior and senior levels.

• 2024 Summer Biathlon World Championships (Otepää, Estonia): Gold in the junior supersprint (0+0+1+0).
• 2025 Junior European Championships: Bronze in the single mixed relay with Kateřina Pavlů.
• IBU Junior Cup: Victory in the sprint in Ridnaun, confirming his place among the top juniors globally.

Eliáš now targets his first full senior season, where he aims to gain consistency and experience among the world’s best.

A new generation on the rise

The Czech Republic has long been a respected nation in biathlon, producing stars such as Gabriela Soukalová, Ondřej Moravec, and Markéta Davidová. With athletes like Plecháčová, Mikolášová, Pavlů, Hák, and Eliáš stepping up, the next generation looks ready to carry that legacy forward — perhaps even into the 2026 Winter Olympics and beyond.

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