Guigonnat and Merkushyna Triumph on Opening Day of Biathlon European Championships
SJUSJØEN, 28 January 2026 – The 2026 IBU Open European Championships commenced in the Norwegian winter sports hub of Sjusjoen with the traditional Individual races setting the competitive tone. France’s Antonin Guigonnat made history by becoming the first Frenchman to win the men’s European individual title, while Ukraine’s Anastasiya Merkushyna dominated the women’s race with flawless shooting.
Historic Victory for Guigonnat
In the men’s 20km Individual, Antonin Guigonnat delivered a masterclass in precision and stamina to secure the gold medal. His victory marks a significant milestone for French biathlon at the European level. The podium was completed by a strong Norwegian contender in second place, while Guigonnat’s compatriot, Valentin Lejeune, claimed the bronze medal, underscoring a successful day for the French team.
Merkushyna’s Flawless Performance
The women’s 15km Individual race was decided by shooting accuracy, and Anastasiya Merkushyna of Ukraine was perfect on the range. She cleaned all 20 targets to cross the finish line in a time of 45:33.9, securing a commanding victory. Italy’s Samuela Comola finished strongly to take the silver medal, with the bronze going to another athlete from a competitive field.
German Team Starts with Promise
The German squad, featuring twelve athletes including focus athletes Marlene Fichtner and Leonhard Pfund, opened the championships with a solid team performance. The standout result came from Elias Seidl, who produced an excellent race to finish in a agonising fourth place, narrowly missing the podium. This strong start provides a positive foundation for the German team as they look ahead to the upcoming Sprint, Pursuit, and Relay events over the next four days of competition.
Key Facts: 2026 IBU Open European Championships
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | IBU Open European Championships |
| Location | Sjusjøen, Norway |
| Dates | 28 January – 1 February 2026 |
| Men’s 20km Individual Winner | Antonin Guigonnat (France) |
| Women’s 15km Individual Winner | Anastasiya Merkushyna (Ukraine) – 20/20 shooting |
| Top German Result (Day 1) | Elias Seidl – 4th place (Men’s Individual) |
| Leading Nation (After Relays) | Norway (8 medals total) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the 2026 Biathlon European Championships held?
The championships are being held in Sjusjøen, Norway, from 28 January to 1 February 2026.
How did the German team perform on the first day?
The German team had a promising start, led by Elias Seidl’s fourth-place finish in the men’s Individual. The full squad of twelve athletes will compete in the upcoming Sprint, Pursuit, and Relay events.
Who won the first gold medals?
On the opening day, France’s Antonin Guigonnat won the men’s 20km Individual, and Ukraine’s Anastasiya Merkushyna won the women’s 15km Individual with a clean shooting record.