Joanne Reid’s Olympic Comeback: A Gritty Return to the Biathlon Big Stage
Rasun-Antholz, Italy - Joanne Reid didn’t need a podium finish to make a statement. On Wednesday, the former Colorado standout officially became a three-time Olympian, capping off one of the most resilient comeback stories of the 2026 Winter Games with her performance in the women’s 15K individual biathlon.
Reid crossed the line in 68th place, 6:53.1 behind gold medalist Julia Simon of France. Starting 70th, she clawed her way up two spots by the finish. That might not jump off the page, but dig a little deeper and you’ll see the grit, the precision, and the heart that defined her return.
The shooting range was where Reid shined. She went a perfect 10-for-10 in the prone stages and finished 6-for-10 standing-numbers that speak to her poise under pressure. In a discipline where one missed shot can unravel an entire race, Reid’s focus was dialed in.
Her race started with promise. In the opening kilometer, she surged into 27th place, showing early pace and confidence.
But the biathlon is as much about endurance and consistency as it is about speed. By the time she reached the first shooting stage, she had slipped to 61st-but then came the first of her perfect prone rounds, a five-for-five effort that vaulted her back up to 33rd.
She held a top-40 position heading into the second shooting stage, where two missed targets cost her valuable time and positions. That stumble dropped her back into the 60s, and while she nailed another perfect prone round in the third stage, she couldn't quite regain the ground lost. After a tough final standing stage, she sat in 69th, but found just enough in the tank over the last 2K to move up one more spot before the finish.
But this performance was about more than numbers. Less than a year ago, Reid wasn’t even competing.
She had stepped away from the sport. The idea of making it back to the Olympics seemed like a long shot, even to those who knew her best.
But with determination and a quiet fire, she worked her way back onto the World Cup circuit and earned her spot on Team USA. Just getting to the start line in Antholz was a victory in itself.
Now, Reid joins an elite class of American biathletes with three Olympic appearances. A University of Colorado Athletic Hall of Famer, she’s added another chapter to her story-one defined not just by athletic achievement, but by perseverance and passion for the sport.
What’s Next
The Olympic journey continues for the Colorado contingent. Stacy Gaskill is set to hit the slopes Friday in the Snowboard Cross competition. Reid will be back on the course Saturday for the 7.5K sprint, the same day Ryder Sarchett makes his Olympic debut in the men’s giant slalom.
Joanne Reid’s comeback isn’t just a feel-good footnote-it’s a reminder of what the Olympic spirit is all about.