Siegfried Mazet to step down as Norway biathlon head coach following 2026 Winter Olympics - 'Time to pass the baton'
Published 08/08/2025 at 14:48 GMT+1
Siegfried Mazet has revealed that he will step down as the head coach of Norway’s men’s biathlon team following the 2026 Winter Olympics. The 47-year-old has enjoyed immense success since taking the role in 2016, guiding his squad to over 150 World Cup wins and counting in the last nine years. Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid was among the first people to congratulate Mazet on his work.
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Siegfried Mazet believes the time is right to "pass the baton" after announcing he will step down as head coach of Norway's men’s biathlon team at the end of the 2025/26 Olympic season.
The 47-year-old took on the role in 2016 and has led his charges to win over 150 World Cup events in his first nine years at the helm.
He will now step away from the position following the conclusion of the 2026 Winter Olympics, which is set to get underway on February 6 in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
Mazet, who coached the likes of five-time Olympic champion Johannes Thingnes Boe, said he had a great time working alongside the team.
"I’ve had a fantastic time with the Norwegian team and would like to say a big thank you," he said.
"I’ve really enjoyed my time here. But after nearly ten years, I feel it’s time to pass the baton."
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Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid has been a key part of his side’s success since Mazet’s arrival in 2016.
Together, they won gold at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, as well as 14 World Championship medals - seven golds, six silvers, and one bronze.
Laegreid believes Mazet’s ability to treat his athletes like human beings is a key reason for the side’s success.
"Siegfried doesn’t just see us as biathletes, but as whole people," added Laegreid.
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"He’s been an important figure for our team, both professionally and personally.
"Losing Siegfried is sad, but we’re incredibly grateful for the time we had with him.
"No matter what the future brings, Siegfried will always have a special place with us."
The 2026 Olympic Winter Games will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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