Deedra Irwin is Headed to Her Second Olympic Winter Games

Deedra Irwin (Pulaski, WI/Army World Class Athlete Program) has officially qualified for her second Olympic Winter Games in Milano-Cortina, ITA. The objective selection was announced by the U.S. Biathlon International Competition Committee (ICC) today following the conclusion of the World Cup 3 women’s individual competitions in Annecy-Le Grand Bornand, FRA. 

“Deedra brings a large amount of experience to the team,” said U.S. Biathlon High Performance Director Lowell Bailey. “She’s been on the world stage for a long time and it’s familiar territory for her. She will undoubtedly bring this experience with her to the Olympics and we are sure to see her at her best come February!”

Irwin, 33, will be competing at her second Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina. A veteran on the team, Irwin's résumé includes the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, four World Championships and seven World Cup seasons. Irwin’s Olympic history at the 2022 Beijing Games includes seventh place result in the women’s individual, the best Olympic finish by an American biathlete in history, 37th in the sprint, 47th in the pursuit, 11th in the women’s relay, and 23rd in the mass start.  

“I am so excited to represent Team USA at the Olympics for a second time,” said Irwin. “This Olympics I’ll be able to share with my family and friends, too! They are all so excited to come to Italy, eat some pasta, drink some Aperol Spritz and cheer me on! It’s an honor and privilege to represent my team, the US Army, and all the communities that supported me along this journey.”

Irwin joins Campbell Wright (Wanaka, NZL/Waiorau Nordic Skiing), Maxime Germain (Chamonix-Mont Blanc, FRA/National Guard Biathlon), and Margie Freed (Apple Valley, MN/Craftsbury Green Racing Project) as the first four qualifiers for the 2026 Olympic Biathlon Team. 

The final Olympic team selection for biathlon will be announced on January 6 following completion of the U.S. Biathlon Timed Trials event in Antholz, ITA, and will include one objective and one discretionary selection for both the men’s and women’s teams. All selections to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Team are subject to approval by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.