Thank you, Jake and Paul!

After distinguished careers representing the United States on the international stage, Jake Brown and Paul Schommer officially closed the chapters on their biathlon careers this past weekend at the World Cup finale in Oslo, NOR. Both athletes leave the sport having played meaningful roles in one of the strongest eras in the history of the U.S. men’s program. Known for their perseverance, professionalism, and commitment to continuous improvement, Brown and Schommer represented Team USA on the Olympic stage and across the international circuits, helping elevate the depth and competitiveness of American biathlon.

“It’s time,” said Brown. “Representing the US in this way has been the honor of my life so far. To my teammates and coaches, from seventh grade track until today, thank you. Life will be strange without a team to train and race for, as my top focus anyway. Following God’s lead, I trust I’ll figure it out.” 

Brown, a 2022 Olympian, recorded multiple top-25 World Cup finishes and competed in five World Championships, with a career-best individual result of 12th place at the 2021 World Championships in Pokljuka, SVN. In addition to his contributions to U.S. Biathlon on skis, Brown also served as an athlete representative on U.S. Biathlon’s Board of Directors, helping to elevate the organization across the board. 

“As my biathlon career comes to a close and I stand on the start line of a new season of life, I find it hard to put into words what I am feeling,” said Schommer. “I think it’s largely due to the fact that I don’t know what it will be like this next year after ten years in the sport. But what I do know is it is time. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to compete for the Stars and Stripes, to work with amazing people and grow in ways I never knew possible. This sport has taught me more than just skiing and shooting, but there is such a thing as new beginnings, and new opportunities around every bend. Thank you biathlon, it’s been a pleasure.” 

Schommer, a two-time Olympian (2022, 2026) and four-time World Championship team member, was a key contributor to several top-10 relay results at the World Cup and World Championships, including fifth place men’s relay result at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games, the best-ever Olympic relay finish for the U.S.. He also achieved multiple top-30 individual finishes and IBU Cup podium results, demonstrating resilience throughout his career, including a successful return to competition following injury.

Throughout their careers, Brown and Schommer earned respect not only for their results, but for their work ethic and commitment to team culture. Both athletes discovered biathlon after collegiate cross-country skiing careers and rose through the development pipeline to represent the United States at the highest level of the sport. As they step away from elite competition, they leave behind a legacy defined by dedication, resilience, and leadership, helping lay the foundation for continued progress for U.S. Biathlon. Their journeys serve as an inspiration to the next generation of athletes pursuing excellence in biathlon and beyond.