Italy’s Birgit Schölzhorn delivered a breakthrough performance at the Italian Summer Biathlon Championships in Anterselva on Saturday, stunning an elite field on the Olympic tracks.

The 21-year-old Italian shot clean and set the fastest ski time, leaving established World Cup stars behind, including Norway’s Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold.

Few had considered Schölzhorn a medal contender ahead of the sprint, given her best senior-level result so far was an eighth-place finish in the pursuit at the European Championships last winter. But the young Italian was flawless on the range and powered through the course, finishing 10 seconds ahead of compatriot Hannah Auchentaller.

Finland’s Suvi Minkkinen showed strong form to claim third place despite one miss in standing shooting. Switzerland’s Lea Meier posted the fastest ski time of the day and took fourth place with three penalties.

Tough day for Tandrevold and the Norwegians

It was a difficult return to competition for Tandrevold, racing for the first time since the World Cup finals in March. The 28-year-old incurred three penalties and struggled on the tracks, ending up in 33rd place.

Marthe Kråkstad Johansen was the top Norwegian in sixth after clean shooting, while Maren Hjelmeset Kirkeeide followed in 13th with four penalties.

Italian Summer Biathlon Championships – Women’s Sprint Results

Senior

1. Birgit Schölzhorn, Italy, (0-0), 23:33.1
2. Hannah Auchentaller, Italy, (0-0), 23:43.1
3. Suvi Minkkinen, Finland, (0-1), 23:45.1

Complete results can be found HERE

Looking ahead

Strong summer performances, such as Schölzhorn’s in Anterselva, provide important signals ahead of the winter season, with several World Cup athletes using roller ski and summer biathlon competitions as key preparation. With Olympic tracks hosting the action last weekend, the Italian Championships provided a glimpse of both emerging talents and established names sharpening their form ahead of the big races of the 2025/2026 winter.

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