18 months after her last race, the Norwegian biathlon star is back.

When the 29-year-old from Norway took to the start line at the Norwegian Roller Ski Championships in Lygna the past weekend, it had been a year and a half since she last competed. Her last appearance was at the World Cup final in Holmenkollen in March 2025. 

The former World Champion has returned. In her comeback at the Norwegian Championships in Lygna, she achieved two strong placements: 11th in the mass start and 13th in the sprint.

Back surgery and rehabilitation

In the meantime, Ida Lien has been through a lot. 

Just before Christmas last year, she underwent back surgery after several years of injuries and recurring back problems. This meant she missed both her Olympic dream and the entire season. 

“It has been a long process for my mind, body, and back, and it is far from over even though the season is approaching,” Lien reported on social media on Wednesday evening. 

Now, Ida Lien is aiming for a new comeback, but this time outside the national team. After missing the entire last season, she also lost her national team spot in April. 

The national season opener at Geilo is scheduled for the weekend of November 13-15. The World Cup kicks off in Kontiolahti, Finland, on November 26. 

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

Won World Championship gold in debut season 

Despite recurring injury troubles, Lien has repeatedly shown that she is among the very best in the world when in top form. Her most significant achievement to date is the gold medal in the relay at the 2021 World Championships. She also has an individual podium finish in the World Cup, coming in 15th in the 15-kilometer event in Holmenkollen in 2024, along with several World Cup relay victories.  

In 2024, she made a comeback to win European Championship gold after a break due to injury and Covid. Last year, she ended her season with two fourth-place finishes at the World Cup final in Holmenkollen.

Read More: Norwegian biathlon teams for season 2026/2027

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