Dorothea Wierer: The Italian Biathlon Queen’s Final Olympic Stand
MILAN, 12 February 2026 — As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics reach their fever pitch, all eyes in the Antholz-Anterselva valley are fixed on one woman: Dorothea Wierer. The most decorated biathlete in Italian history is currently navigating the final chapter of her illustrious career on the very tracks where she first learned to ski. With the Games entering their second week, Wierer has already added to her legendary medal haul, proving that even at 35, her speed on the range remains world-class.
Olympic Success at Milano Cortina 2026
The home Games have already provided emotional highlights for Wierer. On Sunday, 8 February 2026, Wierer anchored the Italian mixed relay team—alongside Tommaso Giacomel, Lukas Hofer, and Lisa Vittozzi—to a silver medal. The Italian quartet finished just 25.8 seconds behind the gold-medal-winning French team, sent the home crowd into a frenzy at the Südtirol Arena.
Individual Pursuit and Sprint Results
In the individual events held earlier this week, Wierer continued to demonstrate her consistency. In the women’s 15km individual race, she secured a fifth-place finish, crossing the line 1:33 behind France’s Julia Simon. Reports from the sprint showdown at 1600 metres also confirm Wierer reached the podium once more, securing a bronze medal in the sprint event, marking her first individual Olympic medal after previously winning bronze in the mixed relays at Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018.
A Career of Historic Firsts
Dorothea Wierer’s legacy was cemented long before she arrived at the 2026 Games. Born on 3 April 1990, in Bruneck, she emerged as a prodigy, winning five IBU World Junior Championship titles. Her transition to the senior circuit redefined Italian winter sports.
- Overall World Cup Titles: Wierer won back-to-back Overall World Cup titles in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons. She was the first Italian woman to achieve this feat and the first woman globally to defend the title since Magdalena Forsberg in 2002.
- World Championship Dominance: With 12 World Championship medals to her name, including three golds, she became the first Italian woman to be crowned a world champion in biathlon in 2019.
- Crystal Globes: Beyond her overall titles, she has secured four discipline-specific Crystal Globes in the Individual, Pursuit, and Mass Start categories.
The Final Farewell in Antholz
Wierer has confirmed that the 2025/26 season will be her last. Competing in Anterselva—her home track—provides a poetic conclusion to a career that spans nearly two decades. “I hope to leave with a smile… and a few tears,” Wierer remarked earlier this week, acknowledging the emotional weight of retiring in front of her local supporters.
Career Statistics (As of February 2026)
| Category | Achievement |
|---|---|
| World Cup Individual Wins | 17 |
| World Cup Podiums | 63 |
| Overall World Cup Titles | 2 (2018/19, 2019/20) |
| Olympic Medals (Total) | 4 (2 Bronze, 2 Silver*) |
*Includes 2026 Mixed Relay Silver and 2026 Sprint Bronze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dorothea Wierer retiring after the 2026 Olympics?
Yes, Dorothea Wierer has officially stated that the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and the remainder of the 2025/26 season will be her final competitive appearances before retirement.
How many Olympic medals does Dorothea Wierer have?
As of 12 February 2026, Wierer has four Olympic medals: two bronze medals from the mixed relays in 2014 and 2018, a silver medal from the 2026 mixed relay, and a bronze medal from the 2026 individual sprint.
Where is Dorothea Wierer from?
Wierer is from South Tyrol, Italy. She was born in Bruneck and trains extensively at the biathlon centre in Antholz-Anterselva, the venue for the 2026 Olympic biathlon events.
What is Wierer’s shooting record known for?
Wierer is world-renowned for her “rapid-fire” shooting style. She consistently holds one of the fastest range times in the IBU World Cup circuit, often gaining significant time advantages over her rivals during the standing shooting bouts.