Leading biathletes Anastasiya Merkushyna (Ukraine), Julian Eberhard (Austria) and Sebastian Samuelsson (Sweden) have today begun their terms as BIU Athlete Ambassadors for integrity matters. The three ambassadors will serve their roles supporting the Biathlon Integrity Unit, as part of the broader International Biathlon Union (IBU) Ambassador Programme which – covering Sustainability, Gender Equality and Integrity – officially launched today.

The BIU’s goal is to build trust and confidence in the sport, with a mandate that covers anti-doping, anti-corruption, safeguarding, betting and match fixing – all areas where the ambassadors can truly make their mark. 

In their roles as Athlete Ambassadors, Merkushyna, Eberhard and Samuelsson will have the opportunity to educate, motivate and lead by example on integrity-related matters and to help the BIU spread its positive message at an exciting time for the sport.

Amongst the ambassadors’ responsibilities will be: regularly engaging with the BIU to share ideas and opinions; connecting with other athletes to educate and increase awareness of the BIU’s role; disseminating integrity-related information, speaking at events, seminars and workshops; and, joining educational training sessions. 

“I see it as my responsibility as a top-level athlete to commit to different topics related to my sport. Integrity matters are very important to me and being highly critical of the issues we have in that area, I also wanted to be part of the solution,” said multiple Olympic and World Champion and IBU Athlete Ambassador, Sebastian Samuelsson.

“The BIU is delighted to have Anastasiya, Julian and Sebastian join the Athlete Ambassador Programme for integrity matters. This is not only a huge chance for the athletes to engage more closely with the Unit, but it’s a great opportunity for the Unit to forge a closer link with our number one audience: the biathletes,” said BIU Head, Greg McKenna.

“Our three new ambassadors will act as the bridge between biathletes and the Unit, and ensure we have our finger on the pulse of athlete opinion across our sport. This programme will also ensure that biathletes have a voice at the BIU’s decision-making table, which is essential for the longevity of our sport. This is an exciting step forward for the Unit and all that can be achieved if we work together with biathletes,” he added.

As with the athlete ambassadors across the Sustainability and Gender Equality programmes, Merkushyna, Eberhard and Samuelsson will serve two year terms, with the opportunity to extend the duration if they wish.