In the spirit of the 2026 Olympics Games in Milan, we’re highlighting world-class immigrant athletes who are currently or have competed for the U.S. National Team. Today, we spotlight Campbell Wright, a rising star in international biathlon competition.
Campbell Wright was born to American parents who emigrated from the U.S. to New Zealand, granting him dual citizenship. Wright is recognized internationally for elite biathlon competition—a sport combining skiing, skating, and rifle shooting. His athletic career began at age ten with competitive skiing, and by 15, he started competing in biathlon.
Campbell first appeared on the international stage for Team New Zealand at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics in Gangwon, South Korea, where he carried the team’s flag during the opening ceremony. There, he finished fourth in the 7.5 km sprint biathlon and sixth in the 12.5 km individual biathlon, while also competing in three cross-country skiing events.
In 2022, he joined Team New Zealand for the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, becoming just the second New Zealander to compete in biathlon at the Winter Olympics, where he finished 32nd in individual and 75th in sprint. competitions. Although he posted modest results, the performance set the stage for his meteoric ascent.
In 2023, the United States Biathlon Association and the New Zealand Biathlon Association collaborated in the decision to accept Campbell’s request to transition to an official member of the U.S. National Biathlon roster. His move to join the U.S. reflected his desire to access better training resources, financial support, and higher-level coaching to achieve his goal of becoming a top-tier athlete. Utilizing his dual citizenship, the move provided the professional support he needed to qualify for his second Olympic Games, albeit this time with Team USA. Wright’s dual citizenship qualified him for the transition.
Competing in late January 2026, Campbell reached his first career World Cup podium – winning his third career silver medal. The breakthrough was built on his back-to-back silver medals at the 2025 World Championships in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.
At the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan, Campbell Wright will compete in the Biathlon events in his second Olympic Games appearance. Many predict this will significantly boost Team USA’s chances of winning its first-ever Biathlon gold medal in the international competition..
Other Team USA Olympians we have previously spotlighted
2024 Summer Olympics: Recognizing the IOC Refugee Team