Biathlon: Despite last disaster — Nelin selected for the relay

Jesper Nelin has been selected for the men's biathlon relay that competes on Tuesday, despite a disastrous sprint earlier where the 33-year-old had a nightmare race and finished outside the top 60.

On Monday's press conference, team manager Johannes Lukas was asked whether Nelin's selection was obvious after the sprint failure.

"Yes, it was completely obvious. We want to put out the best team and we know how good Jesper can be," Lukas said.

Nelin had a very heavy day at the shooting range in the men's sprint. The Swede missed a total of five shots and ultimately placed 72nd, outside the top 60, which meant he did not qualify for the pursuit.

Now it is clear that Nelin, despite that, retains the coaches' trust and will participate in Tuesday's relay.

SVT's expert Mona Brorsson also believes Nelin's relay history played a part in the decision.

"I still think he is an obvious relay man. He has done so many relays for this team with good performances," she said.

"A team for the podium"

Otherwise it was a predictable lineup Sweden will put on the course: Viktor Brandt, Jesper Nelin, Martin Ponsiluoma and Sebastian Samuelsson.

"This is a team for the podium. But Norway has won three of the four relays and France won the fourth. So I think those two teams will fight for first and second place," Brorsson said.

She added:

"But I also think Sweden has a good chance to take bronze. It will be a tough fight against Germany, the USA and Italy."

Sweden's relay team in biathlon:

• Viktor Brandt
• Jesper Nelin
• Martin Ponsiluoma
• Sebastian Samuelsson

Published 16 February 2026 16:40. Updated 16 February 2026 21:29.