On International Women’s Day, British Biathlon is proud to celebrate Alessia De Zolt, our newest coach and a former Italian cross‑country skier whose arrival marks an exciting moment for the programme. Alessia brings with her not only world‑class technical knowledge, but a warmth, humility, and competitive spirit that immediately elevates everyone around her on the Junior Cup and Regional Events.

A Career Forged in the Heart of Italian Nordic Sport

Alessia grew up in one of Europe’s great cross‑country skiing nations, immersed in a culture where endurance and mountain resilience are part of daily life. As an athlete, she trained and competed within Italy’s highly respected development system, gaining a deep understanding of what it takes to perform at elite level, both physically and mentally.

Her background gives her a rare fluency in the demands of Nordic skiing: the discipline of long‑distance training, the technical nuance of efficient skiing, and the emotional resilience required to compete in one of the world’s toughest endurance disciplines. These experiences now form the foundation of her coaching philosophy.

A Fresh Voice and a New Perspective for British Biathlon

Joining British Biathlon as a brand‑new coach, Alessia brings a blend of youthful energy and seasoned expertise. She has already shown an instinctive ability to connect with athletes, offering clear technical guidance while creating an environment where learning feels both challenging and supportive.

Her coaching style is defined by:

• Technical precision rooted in years of elite training
• Calm, confident communication that builds trust
• A strong belief in athlete‑centred development
• A collaborative spirit that strengthens the wider coaching team

In a sport where marginal gains matter, Alessia’s attention to detail and her ability to translate complex technique into simple, actionable steps are already making a difference.

A Role Model for Women in Coaching

Female coaches remain underrepresented in high‑performance winter sport, and Alessia’s arrival is a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility and opportunity. She represents a new generation of women stepping confidently into leadership roles, bringing expertise, empathy, and a fresh perspective to elite sport.

Her presence sends a message to young women and girls across the UK: your voice, your skill, and your ambition have a place here.

Building the Future of British Biathlon

Alessia joins British Biathlon at a moment of growth and renewed ambition. Her international background enriches the programme, offering athletes exposure to new methods, new ideas, and new ways of thinking about performance.

She is already helping to:

• Strengthen technical foundations across the squad
• Build confidence in younger athletes
• Support a culture of professionalism a
• Contribute to long‑term development pathways

Alessia is helping to shape the next era of British Biathlon, one grounded in expertise, collaboration, and belief.

A Celebration of Strength and New Beginnings

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate Alessia De Zolt not only for the athlete she was, but for the coach she is becoming. Her journey from Italian cross‑country skier to British Biathlon coach is a story of courage, reinvention, and passion for the sport.

She brings with her a powerful combination of knowledge, kindness, and competitive fire, qualities that will inspire athletes for years to come.