Hanna Öberg: Sweden’s Biathlon Champion Builds on Recent Success
Stockholm, 16 January 2026 – Hanna Öberg, the Swedish biathlon sensation, continues to dominate the sport with her latest World Cup victory in the women’s 7.5 km sprint in Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand on 18 December 2025. At 30 years old, Öberg has established herself as one of the most successful athletes in biathlon history, balancing precision shooting with exceptional skiing speed.
Career Highlights and Recent Achievements
Born on 2 November 1995 in Kiruna, Sweden, Hanna Öberg made her World Cup debut in the 2016-17 season. She quickly rose through the ranks, earning her first major victory at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, where she won gold in the individual event. Öberg repeated this success at the 2019 Biathlon World Championships in Östersund, becoming the first female biathlete to win the individual World Championship title the year after an Olympic gold in the same event.
In the 2022-23 season, she achieved a remarkable triple at the World Championships in Oberhof, Germany, securing gold in the individual, mass start, and silver in the sprint. Her latest triumph came in Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand, where she edged out France’s Lou Jeanmonnot by 3.3 seconds in the sprint, marking her first World Cup win since March 2023. This victory, completed with clean shooting, underscores her return to peak form after a challenging start to the 2025-26 season affected by illness.
Öberg has also excelled in team events, contributing to Sweden’s relay successes, including a gold at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Her awards include the Svenska Dagbladet Gold Medal in 2018, the Jerring Award in 2019, and the Victoria Award in 2019. Standing at 178 cm and weighing 65 kg, she combines technical skill with mental resilience, often citing hard work as the key to her performances.
Key Facts and Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Olympic Medals | 3 medals (2 gold, 1 silver): Gold in Individual (2018), Gold in Relay (2022), Silver in Relay (2018) |
| World Championship Medals | 13 medals (3 gold, 4 silver, 6 bronze): Including golds in Individual (2019, 2023), Mass Start (2023) |
| World Cup Victories | 12 individual wins, 35 podiums overall (as of end of 2024-25 season) |
| Best World Cup Overall Ranking | 4th (multiple seasons, including 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22) |
| Recent Performance (2025-26 Season) | World Cup sprint win in Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand (18 December 2025); Shooting accuracy: 85% prone, 80% standing |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Hanna Öberg stand out in biathlon?
Öberg’s ability to combine flawless shooting with fast skiing times sets her apart. She has improved her skiing speed significantly over the years, often outperforming the field average, and her mental focus allows her to recover from misses effectively.
Has Hanna Öberg faced challenges in her career?
Yes, she has dealt with illnesses, such as a cold at the start of the 2025-26 season that impacted her early performances. However, she has shown resilience, returning to form with recent victories and focusing on training to maintain consistency.
What are her goals for the upcoming season?
Öberg aims to build on her recent success, targeting podium finishes in major events like the World Championships. She emphasises the importance of preparation and mental strength for long-term success in the sport.