Biathlon 4 All delights Olympic Family guests at Milano-Cortina 2026

From 8-22 February, the IBU Development Department delivered an engaging Biathlon 4 All activation at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, offering members of the Olympic Family a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of biathlon first-hand.

The event zone was at the entrance to the Olympic Family Lounge. It was smaller than first planned, but everyone who joined had a great time. There were three LED frames with the Biathlon 4 All branding, making the area eye-catching and inviting for guests to try shooting.

More than 1,000 guests joined during the Games. Visitors stood about six metres away and tried to hit electronic targets with laser rifles made by Kiwi Precision. The equipment made the experience feel like real biathlon, in a safe and easy way.

A mobile app on tablets made the activity run smoothly. It let staff reset the targets quickly and showed guests their shooting times right away, making the event more fun and competitive.

The activation also became the stage for several spontaneous duels, drawing considerable attention. Most notably, an impromptu contest between biathlon legend Johannes Thingnes Bø and Germany’s football star Joshua Kimmich captured widespread interest, amassing two million views on Instagram. Other high-profile participants included Martin Fourcade, Ole Einar Bjørndalen and Jürgen Klopp, alongside members of the International Olympic Committee, National Olympic Committees, event staff and volunteers. For many, the Biathlon 4 All zone provided an entertaining and memorable diversion amid a busy Games schedule.

Even though there was not enough space for a bigger shooting range, the small two-lane setup was a big success. The smaller area helped create a friendly and lively mood, making it easy and fun for guests to try the sport.

The Milano-Cortina activation once again demonstrated the flexibility and appeal of the Biathlon 4 All concept. Depending on the setting and objectives, the initiative can serve a variety of purposes - from large-scale fan engagement zones to more intimate experiential installations for targeted audiences.

At Milano-Cortina 2026, Biathlon 4 All succeeded in bringing the excitement of biathlon to the heart of the Olympic Family, reinforcing the sport’s innovative spirit and its commitment to connecting with new and diverse audiences.