Paul Schommer Qualifies for Second Olympic Winter Games

Nordic Focus Photo Agency

TYLER, Texas (TXAN 24) – Paul Schommer (Appleton/Team Birkie/Ariens Nordic Center) has officially qualified for his second Olympic Winter Games, set for Milano-Cortina in 2026. The U.S. Biathlon International Competition Committee (ICC) confirmed his selection following timed trials in Antholz, Italy.

“Paul not only brings experience, but an energy and drive that pushes the entire team to be better,” said U.S. Biathlon High Performance Director Lowell Bailey. “His comeback to the sport after injury was nothing short of remarkable and was a testament to his hard work, commitment, and love for the sport.”

Schommer, 33, has been on the U.S. Biathlon Team since 2017 and competed in the 2022 Beijing Olympics. There, he helped the U.S. mixed relay team achieve a seventh-place finish—the country’s best-ever Olympic mixed relay result—placed 35th individually, 74th in the sprint, and contributed to a 13th-place men’s relay finish. After undergoing knee surgery in 2023, Schommer returned to racing in 2025, earning two IBU Cup bronze medals and qualifying for that year’s World Championships.

“The journey to this Olympics has been a roller coaster over the past four years, and I am humbled to represent the U.S. in Italy,” Schommer said.

He joins teammates Campbell Wright, Deedra Irwin, Margie Freed, Maxime Germain, Lucinda Anderson, Joanne Reid, and Sean Doherty to complete the 2026 U.S. Olympic Biathlon Team. All selections are subject to USOPC approval.