Ukraine's Junior Biathletes Earn European Bronze as 2026 Olympic Women's Team is Named

Ukrainian Juniors Secure European Championship Bronze

According to Главком: At the 2026 European Biathlon Championships in Imatra, Finland, Ukraine's junior team clinched a bronze medal in the mixed relay event. This podium finish marks the country's first medal at the European Junior Championships in two years, with Sweden taking gold and Slovenia silver. This achievement is a significant boost for a nation rebuilding its sporting programs.

Women's Squad Announced for 2026 Olympic Games

Alongside this junior success, the Ukrainian Biathlon Federation has announced the five athletes selected for the women's team at the 2026 Olympics:

• Khrystyna Dmytrenko
• Yuliia Dzhima
• Daryna Chalyk
• Olena Horodna
• Oleksandra Merkushyna

One additional biathlete will be chosen as a reserve based on performances at the upcoming European Championships. Three athletes are currently in contention for this reserve spot:

• Anastasiia Merkushyna
• Valeriia Dmytrenko
• Liliia Steblyna

The final decision regarding the reserve athlete will be made following the conclusion of the European Championships, allowing for the selection of the most in-form competitor.

The junior team's bronze signals a promising resurgence for Ukrainian biathlon following a challenging period marked by global and domestic difficulties. This medal could provide crucial momentum for the nation's young athletes. The 2026 Olympics represent a major opportunity for the established women's team to showcase their talent on the world's biggest sporting stage.