ANTERSELVA – The International Olympic Committee presented its Olympic Order to International Biathlon Union President Olle Dahlin on Sunday, recognizing his eight-year tenure in elevating the sport to global prominence ahead of his planned departure later this year.
The 71-year-old former biathlete and cross-country skier received the honor during the IOC’s closing session at the Antholz-Anterselva Biathlon Centre, following a thrilling Games finale. “It’s a fantastic journey crowned by perhaps the finest prize in sports, a huge honor,” Dahlin told reporters, praising biathlon’s Olympic-level stadiums, World Cup quality, and packed arenas drawing 200,000 fans total, including 19,000 per session.
Norway and France dominated podiums, but Bulgaria and Czech Republic earned bronzes, with smaller nations showing promise thanks to Dahlin’s initiatives. The women’s mass start climaxed with France’s Oceane Michelon overtaking Czech Tereza Vobornikova for gold amid roaring crowds, highlighting IBU investments in the Italian venue.
Dahlin emphasized grassroots innovation, targeting North America and Asia, expanded media outreach and revenue boosting events like Munich’s 50,000-fan roller ski tournament and laser rifle trials for over 100,000 youth. “Money isn’t everything, but it’s good to have, these investments secure biathlon’s future.”