Statement of intent: Young biathlete Martin Uldal aims to become No. 1

Norway’s rising biathlon talent Martin Uldal has set bold goals for the coming seasons. After stunning rivals last winter with rapid-fire shooting—clocking 12.9 seconds for five standing hits in Hochfilzen and later improving that to 12.5 seconds—Uldal says he wants to do more than just shoot fast. He intends to shape the sport in the years ahead and directly challenge overall World Cup champion Sturla Holm Lægreid.

“I really want to challenge him. I think in another year I want to be able to put him under real pressure in the overall standings,” Uldal told the IBU, issuing a clear statement toward the reigning Crystal Globe winner.

Short term, Uldal’s top target is Olympic selection. “I want to go to the Olympic Games. If I want a long, spectacular career, I have to make it to these Olympics,” he said. He acknowledges he already feels pressure—despite it being early—because missing the Games would be a major setback with the next chance four years away.

Earning an Olympic berth is no given in Norway due to the team’s depth. Uldal finished 11th overall in last season’s World Cup, only the fifth-best Norwegian. While brothers Johannes Thingnes Bø and Tarjei Bø have retired, emerging talents are pushing hard for limited roster spots.

Performance-wise, Uldal sees room for improvement in standing shooting consistency. His 78% standing hit rate was solid but not yet world-class. He plans extra sessions with national coach Siegfried Mazet to refine patience and accuracy: “He wants to make me a better marksman. I need to learn patience and hit the targets.”

The men’s World Cup season is scheduled to open on 29 November in Östersund. Before that, several stars will appear at the Loop One Festival in Munich’s Olympic Park on 18–19 October, with races held on rollerskis.