Beginning her international career in February 2019 at the IBU Junior Cup, Swedish Biathlon talent Anna-Karin Heijdenberg has steadily climbed the ranks. Strong performances in the junior events earned her a spot in the IBU Cup, where she continued to shine. A breakthrough came at the end of the 2023/24 season with her World Cup debut in Oslo, followed by 14 starts at the highest level. Her standout performance at the recent Open European Championships in Martell secured her a coveted place at the upcoming World Championships, confirming her status among Biathlon’s rising stars.

Biathlonworld: You had an amazing week in Martell, winning a full set of medals. What was the key to your success?

Anna-Karin Heijdenberg: I don’t know! I had just spent three weeks in the World Cup and came here with no expectations—just wanting to race well. It turned out very good!

BW: You made your World Cup debut last year. How did it feel to compete at the highest level?

AKH: It’s amazing! When you do this for a living, reaching the top is what you dream of, and I really enjoyed it. Compared to junior competitions, there’s definitely more media and a bigger circus around it.

BW: Sweden has a strong biathlon tradition. Have any teammates or past athletes inspired you?

AKH: Absolutely! Sweden has had so many great athletes, but my all-time idols are actually Martin Fourcade and Magdalena Neuner. I watched them on TV when I was little, then went outside, skied, and pretended to be them.

BW: What are your goals for the rest of the season? And your long-term ambitions?

AKH: My goal is to keep racing well and reach my highest level. Where I compete, we’ll see. Long-term, I’d love to be at the Olympics—whether it’s next year or in five years, hopefully both!

BW: How competitive is it to make the Swedish World Cup or World Championships team? And what’s the key to good team spirit?

AKH: It’s a very strong team, but we push each other to improve. We train together, help each other, and the secret to great team spirit is that everyone wants to be their best in every training session—that makes us all better.

BW Bonus: What’s something biathlon fans might not know about you?

AKH: I have a really cute dog! Her name is Tosca. ☺

Photos: Manzoni, Yevenko IBU, A. K. Heijdenberg