Kiwi-American Campbell Wright Eyes First US Biathlon Medal

Campbell Wright skis fast, shoots straight, and smiles wider than anyone else on the biathlon circuit. The 23-year-old dual citizen from New Zealand could make history by winning the first-ever US Olympic medal in biathlon when competition begins next month in Antholz, Italy.

Wright's journey to Team USA started in Wanaka, New Zealand, where his American parents settled in the 1990s. He grew up at the Snow Farm cross-country ski center, learned biathlon in Europe, and competed for New Zealand at the 2022 Beijing Olympics before joining the US team in 2023.

The switch paid off quickly. Last February, Wright became the first US biathlete to win two medals at a single world championship, taking back-to-back silvers in sprint and pursuit races in Switzerland.

Those were the first US world medals in five years. But Wright's coach, Armin Auchentaller, wasn't surprised at all.

"From the very start, you could tell he had something special," Auchentaller said. "Not just raw talent, but that spark of joy when he moved, competed, trained."

Wright waves to fans calling his name from the stands, his Kiwi accent making interviews fun and his lighthearted nature endearing him to supporters worldwide. His multiple top-10 World Cup finishes last season earned him the U23 Globe for best young athlete, another US first.

The Olympics bring pressure, but Wright said his age helps. "I'm hopefully at the start of a long career and I think that also helps take the pressure off," he told the Associated Press.

Why This Inspires

What makes Wright special goes beyond speed and shooting accuracy. His coach points to something deeper: simplicity and adaptability.

Biathlon throws constant curveballs. The wind shifts direction, you miss shots, someone crashes in front of you, equipment fails. Wright stays grounded through it all.

"Instead of panicking or doubting himself, he stays grounded, believes in the work he's done, and keeps moving forward," Auchentaller said. "That trust, combined with his simplicity and adaptability, is what makes him truly stand out."

Wright's training philosophy reflects his personality. He's sticking with what worked last season instead of overthinking things. "What we do isn't complicated, it's just hard," he said.

The US team also has a homecourt advantage of sorts. Coach Auchentaller grew up in Antholz, the village hosting the Olympic biathlon events, and his assistant coaches are also from the region. They know the ski trails, snow conditions, climate, and best local food spots.

"We feel Antholz is almost a second home to us," said US Biathlon CEO Jack Gierhart. "That will enable our athletes to focus and feel relatively relaxed, which is really important in this level of competition."

Wright will compete alongside teammates Maxime Germain, Paul Schommer, and Sean Doherty on the men's side, while Joanne Reid, Deedra Irwin, Margie Freed, and Lucinda Anderson represent the women's team.

After years of coming close, the US might finally break through in the one winter sport where they've never medaled, and they'll do it with a smiling Kiwi leading the charge.

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