Almost quit 20 years ago – now he opens up for a final Olympics

Simon Eder, the 41-year-old veteran biathlete, returns to the competitive scene just as the new World Cup season kicks off. His impressive career almost came to an end 20 years ago when he struggled with illness and overtraining. After taking a long break, he made a successful comeback and is now one of the most experienced athletes in the sport, boasting over 500 World Cup starts, a record few can match.

Eder's journey from a promising junior athlete to a seasoned competitor has been marked by remarkable resilience. Despite the challenges, he has remained committed to maintaining a clean sport and has been vocal against doping following several high-profile scandals in his sport.

This season, he aims for multiple podium finishes, hoping to make it to the upcoming Olympics in Cortina. 'I may see this as my last season, but if I perform well, I could reconsider,' says Eder, maintaining optimism about his future in biathlon. His incredible shooting record and seasoned experience make him a standout athlete to watch this upcoming season.