Paul Schommer Qualifies for Second Olympic Winter Games

Paul Schommer (Appleton, WI/Team Birkie/Ariens Nordic Center) is headed to his second Olympic Winter Games in Milano-Cortina. 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. 

“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. I look forward to seeing him represent the U.S. for the second time in Milano-Cortina!”

A four-time World Championship team member, Schommer, 33, has been part of the U.S. Biathlon Team since 2017. A 2022 Olympian, he represented Team USA at the Beijing Olympic Winter Games, where he helped the mixed relay team to seventh-place alongside Susan Dunklee, Clare Egan, and Sean Doherty, which tied the best-ever Olympic mixed relay finish for Team USA, placed 35th in the individual, 74th in the sprint, and also contributed to a 13th-place finish in the men’s relay with Sean Doherty, Leif Nordgren, and Jake Brown. After ending his 2023 season early to undergo knee surgery following the World Championships, Schommer made a successful return to international racing in January 2025, earning two IBU Cup bronze medals and qualifying for the 2025 World Championships. This momentum was carried through the summer 2025 training season, and into the 2025-26 racing season, ultimately landing his second Olympic qualification. 

“The journey to this Olympics has been a roller coaster of a ride the past four years and I am humbled to be able to represent the US in Italy,” said Schommer. “I wouldn’t have been able to still be here without all those supporting me along the way.”

Schommer 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), Lucinda Anderson (Golden Valley, MN/Team Birkie), Joanne Reid (Grand Junction, CO/Colorado Biathlon Club), 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.