Luci Anderson Punches Ticket to First Olympic Winter Games

Lucinda Anderson (Golden Valley, MN/Team Birkie) will make her Olympic debut at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic Winter Games. The objective selection was announced by the U.S. Biathlon International Competition Committee (ICC) following the conclusion of the U.S. Biathlon-run timed trials in Antholz, ITA. 

“Luci has shown an exceptional rate of development since entering the sport less than two years ago, and her definitive win at the final trials series is a testament to both her talent and her commitment to the process,” said U.S. Biathlon High Performance Director Lowell Bailey. “Her progression in the sport in such a short time is remarkable, and it will be really exciting to see how this translates in Antholz next month!”

Anderson, 25, made a rapid rise in biathlon following her formal introduction to the sport through U.S. Biathlon’s Project X program in the summer of 2024. With her background as a high-level cross-country skier at the University of New Hampshire, and now with Team Birkie, she translated her speed on skis and strong natural point of aim into quick success in biathlon. After making her IBU Cup debut in November 2024, she earned her first World Cup start just weeks later in December 2024. By February 2025, she was named to her first-ever World Championship team, adding to the remarkable progression that now leads into her Olympic debut.

“I am so excited to have qualified for the Olympic team and looking forward to throwing down some good races in February,” said Anderson. “I would not be here without the love and support from my family, team and financial support from Team Birkie, my love of racing from my teammates and coaches at UNH, and the whole Minnesota ski community!”

Anderson joins Campbell Wright (Wanaka, NZL/Waiorau Nordic Skiing), Deedra Irwin (Pulaski, WI/Army World Class Athlete Program), Margie Freed (Apple Valley, MN/Craftsbury Green Racing Project), Maxime Germain (Chamonix-Mont Blanc, FRA/National Guard Biathlon), Joanne Reid (Grand Junction, CO/Colorado Biathlon Club), Paul Schommer (Appleton, WI/Team Birkie/Ariens Nordic Center), and Sean Doherty (Conway, NH/Army World Class Athlete Program) to round out the 2026 Olympic Biathlon Team. 

All selections to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Team are subject to approval by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.