Kiwi Skier Campbell Wright Eyes First US Biathlon Medal

The United States has never won an Olympic medal in biathlon, making it the only winter sport without American hardware. That could change next month when Campbell Wright takes to the snow in Italy.

Wright, a 23-year-old dual citizen from Wanaka, New Zealand, joined Team USA in 2023 after competing for his native country at the Beijing Olympics. His American parents had moved to New Zealand in the 1990s, giving him citizenship options when he needed stronger team support.

The decision paid off quickly. In February 2025, Wright became the first US biathlete to win two medals at one world championship, taking home back-to-back silvers in sprint and pursuit competitions. He also claimed the U23 Globe trophy for best young athlete on the circuit.

Team USA has another advantage heading into the games. Their Italian head coach, Armin Auchentaller, grew up in Antholz, the exact village hosting the Olympic biathlon events. His assistant coaches and support staff are also from the region, giving the team insider knowledge on trails, snow conditions, and local resources.

"We feel Antholz is almost a second home to us," said US Biathlon CEO Jack Gierhart. The familiarity should help athletes stay relaxed under pressure.

Why This Inspires

What makes Wright stand out isn't just his speed or shooting accuracy. His coach says it's his simplicity and joy.

"From the very start, you could tell he had something special," Auchentaller said. "That spark of joy when he moved, competed, trained."

Wright doesn't overthink his performance or panic when things go wrong, and in biathlon, mishaps happen constantly. Wind shifts, missed shots, dropped equipment, and crashes are part of every race. His light-hearted nature and Kiwi accent have made him a fan favorite who smiles and waves at supporters like he's having the time of his life.

The young athlete credits his age with keeping pressure low. "I'm hopefully at the start of a long career," Wright said. "If this season goes poorly, there are a lot more years for me to try again."

His training philosophy matches his attitude: keep it simple and don't reinvent what already works. "A lot of athletes tie themselves in knots trying to reinvent the wheel, but what we do isn't complicated, it's just hard," he explained.

Wright will compete alongside three other American men and four women biathletes in Italy. Between his talent, his team's home-field advantage, and his grounded approach to competition, Team USA has its best shot ever at breaking the biathlon medal drought.