Norwegian biathlon is literally a family business. Lisa Therese Haugen-Johannesen and Johannes Thingnes Bø train together, eat at the same table, look after their child, and prepare for the World Cup. Lisa has made it official: she's coming back.
Eighteen Months at Home
Haugen ended last season early — pregnancy. Their daughter was born in December 2025. According to the athlete herself, she never doubted she would return — only the timing was in question. "I missed racing three weeks after giving birth," she admitted on Instagram with a smile.
First skiing sessions came in May. The altitude camp started two weeks ago, and Lisa is in the main training group. According to the Norwegian federation, her heart-rate and recovery metrics are already close to her pre-season 2024 baseline.
Shooting — The Key Question
Haugen has always been strong on skis, but her shooting has sometimes let her down — a 12% miss rate last season. After childbirth, biathletes frequently report changes in concentration and breathing rhythm. "I just need to shoot a lot," Lisa says, keeping it simple.
Personal coach Per-Arne Hestvold has set up the range for rapid-transition drills. The daily minimum: 150 shots.
The Competition: Eckhoff, Öberg and New Names
While Lisa was away, the landscape shifted: Tiril Eckhoff is back in form after a recovery season, Sweden's Hanna Öberg won the sprint Crystal Globe. The young guns — Ingrid Tandrevold and Austria's Lisa Therese Hauser — are pressing hard. The field is tougher than two years ago.
First World Cup stop — Östersund, November. Lisa plans to race from the opening event.
