International Masters Biathlon Championships 2026

The annual International Masters Biathlon Championships were held on 19-22 March at the iconic Kontiolahti Biathlon Arena in Finland in mild Spring conditions. A total of 151 entrants from 16 nations were represented and the Australian contingent of 14 was the second largest outside of Finland.

As the last gasps of Winter faded at Imatra, eight Aussies trained for a week in perfect Spring conditions at the impressive Imatra IBU-accredited biathlon range. Moving to Kontiolahti, training continued in the official program as the Spring thaw took hold. Old friendships were renewed and new ones made, and as always, the Kontiolahti Biathlon volunteers were ever helpful and cheerful.

With conditions warming-up, competition began over distances of 800 – 2000 metres on Thursday 19th March with the Individual event. Friday was the biggest event in bluebird Spring conditions with the Sprint , and later that day the championship dinner was held at the prestigious Kimmel Hotel in Joensuu. A training day followed on Saturday, and Sunday was the exciting Mass Start. Australians were prominent across the board with plenty of loud team spirit, cheering and medals throughout the program to Bob Cranage (1 silver, 2 bronze), Toshca Stopar (2 silver), and a bronze each to Juel Brigs, Robyn Englert and Lauri Jortikka.

The Biathlon Masters attracts entrants from across the world in a friendly competitive environment in world class facilities.  Competition is strong but the friendships are stronger, and will be remembered long after the podiums are packed away. All the Aussies showed pluck and style to ski and shoot through their events, winning the admiration and respect of countries where snow is a part of life, not just a novelty. The typical Aussie ‘can do’ spirit was loud and clear.

Sincere thanks to Imatra Biathlon for generous use of their facilities and making us feel welcome, and Kontiolahti Biathlon for the use of a world-class facility and hosting a most welcoming and memorable event.

Paul Garai

Commander RAN

Member Biathlon Australia, President 2021, Vice President 2020

Member Australian Defence Force Biathlon, President 2022-current