For one of the French rising stars, biathlon started as just another activity in her local ski club in Bresse, Vosges. But with dedication and a love for the sport, she quickly climbed the ranks. Now, at just 20 years old, Amandine Mengin is making her mark on the international stage.

Like many young athletes in France, Mengin was introduced to skiing early. At just eight years old, she took her first steps on skis, but it wasn’t until she turned 12 that she picked up a rifle and stepped into the world of biathlon.

“I started in my ski club in La Bresse, and I just loved it, so I kept going,” she recalls.

Her passion for the sport quickly grew, fueled by watching Martin and Simon Fourcade, two of France’s most legendary biathletes. “The Fourcade brothers were my biggest inspiration. They were very strong, and being French, I really looked up to them.”

Finding Strength in Competition

Every biathlete has a race that defines them—a moment where everything clicks. For Mengin, that race came in 2024 at the IBU Cup in Arber, Germany. “It was my first IBU Cup, and I got my first win. That’s my best race so far—it felt amazing,” she says with a smile.

The Art of Preparation

Success in biathlon isn’t just about how fast you ski or how accurate you shoot—it’s about the preparation that happens behind the scenes. “Physically, I focus on recovery. Mentally, I listen to music and talk with my friends. I also do some mental exercises throughout the year—it really helps.”

Beyond the Biathlon World

When she’s not competing, Amandine enjoys the simple pleasures of life. “I read books, spend time with my family, and just enjoy life,” she says. But if she weren’t a biathlete, what would she be doing? Her answer is as grounded as her personality. “I would probably study to become a teacher,” she admits.

A Fun Fact to Remember

Despite being a fierce competitor on the track, Amandine has a quirky trait that fans might find amusing. “When it’s a sunny day, I can’t keep my eyes open. It’s a little embarrassing,” she laughs.

Photo: IBU Photopool