The President of the International Biathlon Union (IBU), Olle Dahlin, has been awarded the Olympic Order, the highest distinction granted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in recognition of his contribution to global sport and his commitment to the Olympic ideal. The honour was presented by IOC President Kirsty Coventry, in a moment filled with symbolism for the Olympic Movement.
The ceremony took place during the closing session of the IOC at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, bringing together leaders, federations and athletes at the conclusion of the winter event. In front of IOC members and stakeholders from across the Olympic world, Dahlin’s leadership was recognised for taking on the challenge of transforming the culture of biathlon at a time when the sport needed to restore credibility and reinforce its core principles.
A transformation built on governance and trust
In her address, Coventry recalled the context in which Dahlin assumed the presidency in 2018 — a period when the sport needed to rebuild trust, safeguard its values and place athletes at the centre of every decision. She highlighted his patience and clarity in driving deep reforms, as well as his belief that good governance must become the backbone of the organisation.
Under his leadership, strategies such as Target 26 not only modernised governance standards and expanded biathlon’s international reach, but also helped build a stronger and more resilient IBU. Institutional strengthening, support for national federations and the protection of sporting integrity became central pillars of a vision aimed at guiding biathlon into a new era.
A recognition shared with the biathlon family
Upon receiving the Olympic Order, Dahlin emphasised the collective nature of the recognition. He stated that he accepted the award on behalf of the entire biathlon family — from the IBU Executive Board to national federations, partners and staff — whose dedication, he said, made the progress achieved possible. He also underlined the collaborative work with the IOC and independent experts in leading the sport toward an era centred on integrity, innovation and sustainability.
The president also reflected on the athletes’ performances in Antholz-Anterselva and the atmosphere created by fans as living proof of biathlon’s vitality. During the same session, four-time Olympian Johanna Talihärm took the oath as an IOC member following her election to the Athletes’ Commission, reinforcing the presence of athletes’ voices at the heart of the Olympic Movement.
