For a biathlete, the career is coming to an end.

At 23: A biathlon talent calls it quits

A young biathlete from Norway has surprisingly announced her retirement from biathlon at the age of 23.

March 25, 2025

From: det

Not so long ago, a young Norwegian caused a sensation. Maren Bakken, now 23, won no fewer than six medals at the Youth and Junior Biathlon World Championships between 2019 and 2023. When she won the gold medal in the sprint in the youth category in 2019, she outperformed, among others, Amy Baserga and Anna Gandler, who are now active in the World Cup.

While these biathletes have a future in their sport, Maren Bakken's career will be over in a few days. The former biathlon talent announced this on Instagram. "It's official, my career as a biathlete is coming to an end," the 23-year-old wrote. "This weekend I will compete in my last race, and then a new era in my life will begin. I would like to thank everyone for all the wonderful friendships, memories, and experiences this sport has given me," the Norwegian said.

Check out this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maren Bakken (@maren.bakken)

Despite her strong results at the Junior World Championships, Bakken was unable to break into the "big" ranks. She last competed on the professional tour in the 2022/23 season, competing in the IBU Cup and finishing in the top 10 twice. Bakken also competed in the prestigious biathlon event in Schalke in 2022, teaming with Martin Uldal (who won his first World Cup race in December). Bakken will compete in her final races next weekend at the Norwegian Championships.