This season marks a historic milestone for para biathlon, with the opening competitions just hours away. After two years of joint management alongside the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), the discipline is now fully governed by the International Biathlon Union (IBU). With World Cups scheduled in Vuokatti (FIN), Val di Fiemme (ITA), and Torsby (SWE), alongside the World Championships in Pokljuka (SLO), this season promises to deliver thrilling action for the ever-expanding biathlon family.

This winter’s para-biathlon calendar features four events and eleven competitions, each with three categories for both genders. In total, an unprecedented 66 races will take place. The first competition kicks off this week in Vuokatti, where 92 athletes from 16 national federations will compete—about 50% more than last year’s season opener in Martell.

Para biathlon has its stars, and Mark Arendz is undeniably one of them. The 34-year-old Canadian, a two-time Paralympic champion (PyeongChang and Beijing), dominated last season with seven victories, including three World Championship titles. We spoke with him just hours before the 2024/25 season begins.

Biathlonworld: How have your preparations for the upcoming season gone? Have you made any changes to your training compared to previous years?

Mark Arendz: It is exciting to be at the dawn of a new season. I have been very happy with my preparations throughout the training season. There have not been any major changes, but I am always exploring how to adjust the small details of my training, trying to get the smallest of improvements.

BW: Last year's World Championships on home soil were incredibly successful for you. This year, the championships will be held in Pokljuka—a venue that hosted the Biathlon World Championships three years ago. Does competing on such a legendary stage add extra excitement to the competition? Have you ever had the opportunity to compete or train there before?

MA: I look forward to competing in Pokljuka for the Biathlon World Championships later this season. It will be a new venue for me, with a high-performing legacy. Pokljuka has been a regular stop for the biathlon community over the years, now we will get a chance to do the same. I hope to take the momentum from last season's Prince George forward into Pokljuka and achieve similar performances.

BW: As para biathletes, how close-knit are you as a group? Do you keep in touch with your rivals during the off-season?

MA: I believe we are a close group of athletes. Throughout the year, I have been in contact with many of them. At times, in a more official capacity as the chair of the Athlete's Focus Group, but at other times, checking in, offering congratulations, or any other reason. I have grown up with many of the competitors in my field throughout my career, and with that comes a relationship with respect as rivals and friendship. We have each had a period as the best and top competitors to each other.

BW: In this season's calendar, how important are the competitions in Val di Fiemme—set to host the Paralympic Games in two years?

MA: After the World Championships, Val di Fiemme will be the season's next most significant event: the venue's first competitive test by any para competition. It will be the first opportunity for many athletes and Teams to see the venue, the courses and the range. I believe it will mark the earnest beginning of preparations for many towards 2026 and the Paralympic Winter Games. I have watched several years of Tour de Ski and competitions at the venue. However, with the expected new courses completed for this season, the familiar will get a facelift going into the Games.

BW: This is the first season fully governed by the IBU. The para biathlon competition calendar, with 11 races across 4 events, looks much more impressive than last year. Do you see this as an opportunity for a fresh start for the discipline?

MA: It is an opportunity to evolve and grow the sport of para biathlon. Some of that growth will be obvious, while some will be behind the scenes. I am encouraged by the enthusiasm of IBU to grow their biathlon family, extending that to the para discipline and eagerness to understand where the sport is currently and to dream of what the sport could be in a few years and beyond. Being part of the growing biathlon family, I believe there will be several unique opportunities to showcase that no matter how you do it, we are all here for the love of biathlon.

BW: You are one of the most decorated para-biathletes and serve on the Para Biathlon Working Group—Ex Officio as Chair of the Athletes' Focus Group. Do you feel like a voice for the para-biathlon community? What challenges does our discipline face in the coming years?

MA: I have taken a keen interest in sharing what para biathlon is, and I think it is important to help shape its future. I wanted to show some of the possibilities for the sport. I believe that athletes are central to the decisions that have been made. One of the first challenges that needs to be tackled is attracting more athletes and nations to par biathlon and growing the global interest in the sport while enhancing consistency and quality. Para biathlon is still a toddler, but I am excited to show the world what it can become.