Kiwi Biathlete Campbell Wright Eyes First US Olympic Medal

The United States has never won an Olympic medal in biathlon, the only winter sport where that's still true. That could all change next month when Campbell Wright takes to the snow in Antholz, Italy.

Wright, a 23-year-old dual citizen from Wanaka, New Zealand, made history last February by becoming the first American biathlete to win two medals at a single world championship event. He claimed back-to-back silvers in sprint and pursuit competitions in Switzerland, marking the first US world medals since Susan Dunklee's silver in 2020.

Born to American parents who moved to New Zealand in the 1990s, Wright grew up skiing at the Snow Farm cross-country center and learned biathlon in Europe. After competing for New Zealand at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, his dual citizenship allowed him to join Team USA in 2023, giving him access to the support system he needed to excel.

That support has made all the difference. Wright now trains under Armin Auchentaller, an Italian head coach who grew up in Antholz, the very village hosting the Olympic biathlon competitions. His entire coaching staff hails from the region, giving Team USA insider knowledge of the ski trails, snow conditions, climate, and local logistics.

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

Why This Inspires

Wright brings more than just talent to the starting line. His coach says he possesses something even more valuable: an infectious joy for the sport combined with serious work ethic.

"From the very start, you could tell he had something special. Not just raw talent, but that spark of joy when he moved, competed, trained," Auchentaller said. "What made working with him truly remarkable was how quickly he combined that talent with professionalism."

Wright himself credits his past success with building the confidence he needs for Olympic pressure. "I think having success in the past just gives me confidence because I've already done more than I thought I could do in this sport," he told The Associated Press. "So the way I see it, anything extra is just cream."

He'll be joined by Olympic newcomer Maxime Germain and returning veterans Paul Schommer and Sean Doherty. On the women's side, Joanne Reid returns after two years away for her third Olympics, while teammates Deedra Irwin, Margie Freed, and Lucinda Anderson round out the squad.

After decades of coming up empty, Team USA finally has the winning athlete, experienced coach, and home-field advantage needed to make Olympic history in the mountains of Italy.

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