2026 Olympic Biathlon Women's 7.5km Sprint Prediction & Preview
Updated February 13, 2026
Updated February 13, 2026
The biathlon women’s 7.5km sprint at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan‑Cortina is anyone's race, as the defending Olympic champion from the 2022 Games retired. This edition of the race features a fresh group of contenders vying for gold. Sprint races in biathlon combine blazing skiing speed with precision at the range. At high altitude in Anterselva, competitors will need both to claim Olympic glory. Before this event takes place in Italy, you will find my prediction for this biathlon race below.
Below are the current odds for the women’s sprint event at the 2026 Olympics as listed by major sportsbooks:
One of the biggest narratives entering this race is the absence of the previous Olympic gold medalist, who retired after dominating the 2022 Games. That opens the door to a new generation of sprint specialists. Lou Jeanmonnot of France enters the Games as one of the most consistent performers in the current season and holds the top seed in the sprint standings on the World Cup circuit. Jeanmonnot has won multiple sprint races this season and currently leads the sprint rankings, reflecting both speed on skis and stable shooting performances.
Sweden’s Oeberg sisters each bring serious credentials. Hanna Oeberg has multiple sprint victories this season and is second among women in sprint results, while her younger sister Elvira has shown elite speed and has medaled in Olympic sprint competitions before. Their consistency represents one of the most serious dual threats to podium positions.
France’s depth is another storyline, with Julia Simon adding momentum to her season after securing a win in another Olympic biathlon distance. Justine Braisaz‑Bouchet also remains a dangerous contender when she finds rhythm in both shooting and skiing. Italy’s home hopes hinge on Lisa Vittozzi and the experienced Dorothea Wierer, both capable of strong ranges and rapid laps.
Lou Jeanmonnot (FRA) – The French athlete has been one of the most dominant women in sprint events this season. She leads the World Cup sprint standings and has multiple victories. Her blend of ski speed and reliable shooting accuracy makes her a logical favorite for gold.
Hanna Oeberg (SWE) – Oeberg has claimed multiple sprint victories this season and regularly challenges for podium berths. Her performance pattern suggests she will be in contention if she can deliver clean shooting under Olympic pressure.
Elvira Oeberg (SWE) – A past Olympic medalist in sprint, Elvira’s experience paired with recent good form puts her in the conversation for a medal. Her skiing is fast enough to compensate for slight shooting errors.
Julia Simon (FRA) – Coming off a strong individual win at the Olympics, Simon carries confidence into the sprint. If she can match her shooting precision in this shorter format, she could easily find herself on the podium.
Lisa Vittozzi (ITA) – The Italian contender will benefit from competing on home snow and may rise up the leaderboard if her shooting remains sharp. Watch for improved range performance.
Maren Kirkeeide (NOR) – Solid World Cup results and strong skiing speed make Kirkeeide a contender. A clean shooting day could vault her into medal territory.
Pick: Lisa Vittozzi (ITA) ATS PRO
Confidence: 4 out of 5
I'm going to take Italian Lisa Vittozzi to get the win in this race. Vittozzi fell short in her first race of this Olympic campaign, but she should settle in nicely when it comes to the shooting portion of this event. With a supporting home crowd to calm her nerves, I think Vittozzi has what it takes to get a gold medal in what should be a highly entertaining sprint race.
