Biathlon: Gro Randby to take part in his first World Cup
A few weeks ago, during the opening Norwegian biathlon races in Sjusjøen (Norway), Gro Randby surprised everyone by finishing third in the sprint won by her illustrious compatriot Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold. It was enough to secure her ticket to the World Cup for the first time in her career.
At 22, she had until now remained confined to the IBU Cup, a circuit where she finished on two individual podiums last season, winning two team medals at the World Junior Championships in the meantime.
“Being selected for the World Cup is a dream come true, she tells Nordic Magazine. I’ve always dreamed of competing on the biggest international stage and I’m really looking forward to seeing what I can do against the world’s greatest biathletes. I don’t know what to expect yet, but I hope I can put in some good races.”
A healthy move to Geilo
To return to Gro Randby‘s background, we can begin by saying that it is atypical. She has been passionate about biathlon since she discovered it at the age of 9, but was unable to practise it to the full during her early teens. Born in Tønsberg (Norway), a town in the county of Vestfold in the south of the kingdom, she decided to move to Geilo (Norway) when she was 15.
“Biathlon has shaped the person I am today. Right from the start, I knew it was more than just a hobby for me and it was a dream I wanted to pursue. So the move was a turning point in my sporting career,” she says.
“At Geilo, I was able to live the life of an athlete while pursuing my studies and making friendships that will last a lifetime. The experience was crucial to my development, both as an athlete and as a person,” adds Gro Randby.
Since then, the reigning world junior champion in the mixed relay has once again packed her bags, settling in Lillehammer (Norway). “I live with my little sister Nora, who also does biathlon, she reveals. We have a very strong relationship and I love sharing my daily life with her and our kitten Juli.”
Excellent performance on cross-country skis
A member of Norway’s national B team, she says she is inspired by Tiril Eckhoff’s career. “She’s a role model for me in terms of work ethic, mental strength and success on the international stage, says Gro Randby. She has shown me that anything is possible with the right mindset and dedication [to biathlon].”
While biathlon is the Norwegian’s life, cross-country skiing is another huge passion for her. “It’s a sport that complements my biathlon training. From an early age, I mastered the classic style. I really enjoy racing against the cross-country skiers and that gives me a lot of motivation to try and beat them,” says Gro Randby.
In March 2024, she was crowned Norwegian runner-up in the individual 5km classic behind Heidi Weng and ahead of Margrethe Bergane, Anne Kjersti Kalvaa, Marte Skaanes and Helene Marie Fossesholm.
Last Saturday, she finished ninth in the individual 10km classic at the Norwegian opening races in Beitostølen (Norway)… more than 30 seconds ahead of Flora Dolci, the leading French rider.
Guitar and singing enthusiast
“Be that as it may, biathlon is the sport I enjoy the most, continues the Scandinavian. The combination of skiing and shooting is what makes it so exciting for me, because it’s the perfect balance between endurance, precision and strategy. I love the challenge of mastering these two elements.”
Gro Randby also enjoys playing guitar and singing, as well as spending time with her friends and cooking, “sometimes”, she says with a smile.
“My many hobbies help me recharge my batteries and stay focused on my biathlon goals. I’m really looking forward to seeing where all this takes me,” she concludes.
- Vebjoern Soerum (seventh man), Gro Randby, Emilie Kalkenberg and Maren Kirkeeide to complete the women’s squad: Norway’s selection for the Kontiolahti World Cup has been announced.
- Lillehammer: biathlete Gro Randby takes silver in the individual classic at the Norwegian Championships, won by Heidi Weng
