Biathlon is a highly disciplined sport that combines two very unique and strenuous sports; cross country skiing and rifle marksmanship and combines them into one activity. I learned to do both separately at an early age, although I may not have been able to aim straight or ski fast I was addicted. When I was about three years old I joined the Jackrabbits program and I was out on the local trails of Houston B.C, learning basic techniques from my parents and other experienced skiers in the community. When I was eight I shot a gun for the very first time. My Dad, Grandfather and I were out grouse hunting and he decided it was time. We loaded eighteen bullets into the magazine, my dad showed me how to aim and I missed all eighteen rounds. Before I realized my passion I played hockey and I was a fast and natural skater. The lessons I received in the Jackrabbits program directly affected and honed my skills on the ice. when I was ten I moved to Prince George with my family and skied with the junior racers. For the first season that I was in Prince George, I only trained with the group. When I was thirteen I joined biathlon and to be honest I was a poor shot. Most biathletes have no trouble learning to shoot, I was different. It took me two years to complete my first clean shooting (hitting all five targets), a feat completed by most quite quickly. I am now eighteen, I am committed to learning and improving in my sport and as a person every day. I have completed thousands of kilometers on; my skis, my feet, and my bicycle. I have participated in and endured many races, but that has all changed. I am no longer just completing races, I am competing and as I progress I will not only achieve my goals but conquer them and set new ones.
Last season was a real breakthrough for me. I found out what I was doing wrong and how to fix it. I started dry firing every morning and training more efficiently. A huge part of my success came from the training I received and the impact that the coaches, teachers, and friends made in my life during my time at The Canadian Sports School. Had I not been given the opportunity to participate in the program I would not be as successful as I am today. The lessons and skills I learned and the friends I've made is an experience like no other. Last season I didn't have a coach and skills I was learning were put to the test, yes it was difficult but for the first time in my biathlon career I was winning medals! I have competed in a variety of sports throughout my athletic career. From 2003 until 2008 I played hockey in Houston British Columbia, during my time in Houston I competed in elementary school sports like track and field, cross country skiing and cross country running. When I moved to Prince George I quit hockey due to the expensive team fees and gear, my parents thought cross country skiing was a less expensive alternative, it's not. Since 2010, I have been competing in biathlon. I have raced all over British Columbia and in some parts of Alberta. Last season I was second in B.C for my age category. This season I qualified to compete in the National Biathlon Championship which was my main goal for the season. Once I got to Nationals I was unprepared, as my goals were only to get to nationals. For this next season, I have already made a new list of goals which includes a plan to achieve more successful results.
Last season was a real breakthrough for me. I found out what I was doing wrong and how to fix it. I started dry firing every morning and training more efficiently. A huge part of my success came from the training I received and the impact that the coaches, teachers, and friends made in my life during my time at The Canadian Sports School. Had I not been given the opportunity to participate in the program I would not be as successful as I am today. The lessons and skills I learned and the friends I've made is an experience like no other. Last season I didn't have a coach and skills I was learning were put to the test, yes it was difficult but for the first time in my biathlon career I was winning medals! I have competed in a variety of sports throughout my athletic career. From 2003 until 2008 I played hockey in Houston British Columbia, during my time in Houston I competed in elementary school sports like track and field, cross country skiing and cross country running. When I moved to Prince George I quit hockey due to the expensive team fees and gear, my parents thought cross country skiing was a less expensive alternative, it's not. Since 2010, I have been competing in biathlon. I have raced all over British Columbia and in some parts of Alberta. Last season I was second in B.C for my age category. This season I qualified to compete in the National Biathlon Championship which was my main goal for the season. Once I got to Nationals I was unprepared, as my goals were only to get to nationals. For this next season, I have already made a new list of goals which includes a plan to achieve more successful results.
