Swedish Biathlon Star Hanna Öberg Struggles with Serious Health Issues Ahead of the Olympics

Swedish biathlon superstar Hanna Öberg, 29, who has previously peaked at the right time for major championships, is facing a difficult road to the upcoming Milan 2026 Winter Olympics after battling a series of illnesses and injuries.

The three-time Olympic medalist and 14-time World Championship medalist has endured a tough year marked by recurring health problems and lingering knee issues.

“I was very sick in the spring and had to skip the altitude camp in Italy. It felt like the right decision at the time,” Öberg told Swedish newspaper Expressen.

However, the illness lingered far longer than expected.



“I was sick several times throughout April, and it wasn’t really until late May or early June that I could start proper training again,” she said.

After a more stable summer, another setback struck in September when Öberg once again fell ill during a high-altitude camp in France and was forced to return home early.

When Sweden’s national team kicked off its preseason races in Östersund last weekend, Öberg was not on the start line — and she will also miss the international season opener at the Loop One Festival.

Alongside her physical struggles, the Olympic champion admits she has also faced mental challenges and ongoing knee problems.

“It’s been a bit messy, that’s for sure. The preseason hasn’t gone as I hoped,” she said.

“At the start of last season, I carried a lot of uncertainty about my skiing form, and that spilled over into my shooting. It became a total cycle of doubt.”

The 2026 Olympic biathlon events will be held in Antholz-Anterselva, on the Italian-German border, from February 8–21. Öberg’s main event, the women’s individual race, is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11.

Sources:
Expressen