The 21-year-old faced massive criticism when he chose to forge his own path. He responded with World Championship gold, podium finishes, and an outstanding season. Now the biathlon prodigy is back on the Norwegian national team – on his own terms.

In spring 2025, the junior prodigy from Mo i Rana, Norway, made headlines when he declined a national team spot after a season on the U23 squad, opting instead for a private training setup. 

Despite having won two golds and one silver, and being named the best overall athlete at the Junior World Championships last winter, Kasper Kalkenberg experienced the national team season as a significant setback. 

Also Read: “I only got worse on the national team”

“I have always been curious about trying new things. I wanted to train at altitude and see how my body responds to that,” Kalkenberg explains to IBU.

Together with his sister Emilie Kalkenberg, who also left the national team last spring, he formed his own training team with former national team coach Roger Grubben, and his father as coordinator and sparring partner.

This decision drew significant criticism from the national team management. They believed the super talent would miss out on invaluable competition and support by training privately, and also criticized Kalkenberg’s training setup.

The story continues below.

Outstanding season: “I learned a lot” 

However, the season on its own turned out to be a tremendous success. 

Kalkenberg not only secured four medals at this winter’s junior World Championships, including gold in the mass start, but he also made a strong entrance into the IBU Cup. There, he achieved two individual podium finishes against World Cup stars and World Championship medalists, as well as gold in the European Championship relay.

“The season was full of new experiences and opportunities. I learned a lot about myself and my body,” says Kalkenberg, explaining. 

“As a junior, there are fewer competitions. At the IBU Cup, you have to handle multiple competitions in a week. But I love to compete, so I tried to adapt as best I could. Overall, I am satisfied with my results this winter.”

Back on the national team – together with Hedegart

Now, the biathlon talent from Mo i Rana is a first-year senior and back in the national team system. He is one of a total of six men on the development team, alongside this winter’s rising star in cross-country skiing, Einar Hedegart. 

Kalkenberg feels he has been well received by the federation, which has undergone significant reorganization. 

“I have the impression that they are happy I chose to come back,” he says. 

Read More: Norwegian biathlon teams for season 2026/2027

Must fight to keep his spot

As a first-year senior, the 21-year-old aims straight for the podium again, and further towards the World Cup.

“I aim for the podium. I certainly have the World Cup in mind, but I know I still have work to do to get there. My skiing skills have not always been the best,” says Kasper Kalkenberg. 

However, in a national team system that did not find room for double World Champion Endre Strømsheim, the young athlete is aware that he must defend his spot every single day. This motivates him.

“I know I always have to give my all and do my best. It helps me stay focused.”

Also Read – Biathlon World Cup: Calendar for the 2026/2027 winter season 

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