Slovenian skiing star, Anamarija Lampič, changes from cross-country skiing to biathlon.

Lampič announced the news on an Instagram post yesterday.

“Goodbye cross-country skiing, welcome to biathlon,” writes Lampič.

Lampič, 26, is a three-time World Championship medalist and won the World Cup sprint overall in the 2020/2021 season.

The loss is challenging for the Slovenian cross-country skiing, which will hold the World Championships next winter at Planica without its brightest star. There will also be a loss for the whole sport if the number of countries reaching the podium decreases.

According to the Slovenian broadcaster RTV Slovenia, Lampič has previously, in a television interview, commented about the uncompetitiveness of Slovenian service and stated that it needed more support from the country’s federation.

The example of Stina Nilsson from Sweden, who previously switched from cross-country skiing to biathlon, has also encouraged Lampič.

“I have to say that Stina is my role model, so maybe I’ll follow her,” said Lampič in March.