Olle Dahlin is set to step down as president of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) this weekend after eight years in charge of the sport’s global governing body.
The 72-year-old Swede reached the IBU’s term limit after taking over the presidency in 2018, at a time when the organisation was dealing with corruption and doping scandals that had damaged its reputation and led the International Olympic Committee to freeze funding.
Dahlin succeeded Anders Besseberg, who had led the IBU for more than two decades before stepping down amid a corruption case. Besseberg was later convicted by a Norwegian court of aggravated corruption and sentenced to three years in prison, although he has continued to deny wrongdoing and appealed the rulings.
During his presidency, Dahlin oversaw a series of governance reforms. The IBU established an external review commission, adopted a new constitution in 2019 and created the independent Biathlon Integrity Unit to strengthen transparency and integrity within the sport.
Dahlin also focused on expanding biathlon's international reach. The IBU supported developing nations and introduced initiatives aimed at making the sport more accessible, including experiments involving roller skis and laser rifles.
The sport's growing popularity was highlighted at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, where more than 170,000 spectators attended biathlon events, accounting for around 13% of all Olympic tickets sold, according to the IBU president.
Dahlin said one of the most important outcomes of his tenure was rebuilding confidence among athletes, national federations and event organisers. He described transparency and improved governance as central to restoring the organisation after the difficulties it faced when he took office.
Russian athletes remain suspended from IBU competitions following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Dahlin said their return would require the war to end as well as progress on outstanding governance requirements.
Although he is leaving the presidency, Dahlin plans to remain involved in biathlon, the Olympic movement and anti-doping efforts. He has been involved in the sport for more than five decades and said he intends to continue contributing where possible.