Ricco Groß Parts Ways with Slovenian Biathlon Team

Ricco Groß, a four-time Olympic champion and nine-time world champion, has officially parted ways with the Slovenian biathlon national team. His contract, initially set to run until the conclusion of the 2026 Winter Olympics, was terminated prematurely due to financial constraints, according to statements made by the 53-year-old in an interview with the Traunsteiner Tagblatt.

Two years ago, Groß embarked on an ambitious four-year plan for the team, collaborating closely with two Slovenian co-coaches who will now assume leadership responsibilities. Having previously coached Austria's men’s team from 2018 to 2022, Groß expressed that it’s currently challenging to secure new coaching positions, especially given the busy schedules of other national teams. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about his future prospects in coaching.

This news comes just as biathlon teams begin their off-season training, with many preparing for upcoming World Cup events. It underscores the financial challenges and pressures that national sports programs face in their quest for competitiveness.