42 years old and starving for success: “I’m eager to find out what this body is still capable of.”

Since his World Cup debut in 2003, he has competed in 534 World Cup races, stood on the podium in 42 of them, and won seven. He has five World Championship medals and two Olympic medals. Now, he’s giving himself one last chance to win his first career gold.

The Austrian Simon Eder had actually planned to retire, but now he’s postponing it by a year. His goal is gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will be held in Antholz-Anterselva, Italy, in February.

“I want to do it one more time,” the veteran told Kronenzeitung Salzburg and added, “Antholz motivates me. But after that, it’s definitely over.”

Also Read: Austrian national biathlon teams for season 2025/2026

Wants More

This winter, the 42-year-old was once again the top Austrian in the World Cup. Heading into what will be his final season, however, he has specific expectations and is demanding more support from the Austrian Association.

“The most important thing is that we do a better job with the equipment. I hope we can get more resources there,” says Eder.

The 2026 Olympics will be Eder’s fifth Winter Games. And this edition will be almost like a home Olympics for him.

“Competing at the Olympics there is a big dream, and would be the perfect ending to my career,” says the man who skied his first World Cup race in 2003.

Antholz-Anterselva is also a very special venue for Simon Eder. His father, Alfred Eder, won a World Cup race and took a World Championship bronze there — in 1985 and 1983, respectively, both in the sprint.

And just like his father, Simon Eder has also been on the podium in Anterselva — four times in total, most recently in the 2023/2024 season when he finished third in the single mixed relay. That was also the last time he reached the World Cup podium.

“Just like my father, I’ve been on the podium in Anterselva, and I’ve always loved it there. The stadium, the course, the atmosphere, the food… Everything there is exactly how I like it.”

Staying Grounded

Even though Eder is motivated and excited, he’s keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

“There are still eight months until the Olympics. There’s important work to be done now,” he says.

The veteran started his training grind already in April and is currently on exercises with the Austrian military in Vienna. After that, he will fully focus on biathlon again.

After more than 20 years on the World Cup circuit, Eder has competed in 534 World Cup races — more than anyone else. But he’s not done yet. He has two Olympic medals, but none individually.

“When I’m at my best, I can compete with the best. I’m eager to find out what this body of mine is still capable of.”

Perhaps the dream is now slightly closer after the Bø brothers retired following the World Cup final in Holmenkollen this March.

If Simon Eder manages to win a medal at the 2026 Olympics, he will become the oldest athlete ever to win an Olympic medal in biathlon. Ole Einar Bjørndalen was 40 years old when he won his last Olympic medals at Sochi 2014 — two golds, in the sprint and relay. He retired in 2018 but did not qualify for that year’s Games.

Also Read: The best books to pack for your off-season holiday (Part 2)

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