Q: To start, tell us more about yourself. You’ve been one of the top biathletes for Team USA for several years. What do you attribute your success to, both in America and on the international stage? Was there a key breakthrough moment for you?

“I think I can best contribute my success the past few years in Biathlon to just trusting the process. Getting fast at skiing and shooting doesn’t happen overnight or in just one season. I finally had a few years free from injury, started a new strength plan a few years back, and was able to be consistent with the USBA training plan. So, staying healthy, trusting my training plan, and believing in the work I’ve put in over the years is what I contribute most to my success.

As for a breakthrough moment to help all of that happen? That would have to be my 7th place result in the Women’s 15km Individual at the 2022 Winter Olympics. That was such an incredible moment and it gave me so much confidence going forward in Biathlon. That race really showed me how much the work had paid off and lit a fire in me for more.”

The Leap from Cross-Country Skiing to Biathlon

Q: What inspired the switch to biathlon, and what made it so appealing? Clearly, it’s turned out to be a successful move for you.

“Leading up to the 2018 Olympics I knew I didn’t have a chance to make the US Ski Team. I was planning on just spending that season racing for the Sun Valley Gold Team again, applying to jobs, and retiring from sport. Then Joanne Reid sent me a text and the US Biathlon Talent ID Camp application. I thought, ‘Why not?’ I went to the camp and I was hooked. I couldn’t wait to move to Lake Placid and train with the team there.

Biathlon has the Nordic racing components PLUS the focus of precision shooting?! I couldn’t wait to get on the range every day. It wasn’t easy to switch. I had my ups and downs those first years. But, in the long run, it was all worth it, and 8 years later I’m still in love with this sport. I only wish I would have found it sooner.”

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The Unique Challenges of Training in the U.S.

Q: Training as a biathlete in the United States—what is that experience like, and how much time do you spend overseas each year?

“Training in America as a biathlete can get a little tough. Our country is huge, so splitting training camps equally between the East and West Coast is difficult. Although more ranges are being built and invested in every year, we still find ourselves going to Europe for summer training camps for altitude and quality training.

However, when I am in the US, I have access to great training in and around Stowe, Vermont, which is where I call home now. The Olympic training center in Lake Placid, NY, isn’t too far away, and they just got an upgraded range and rollerski track. I think it’s only getting easier every year to train as a biathlete in America, as the US Biathlon Association has been working hard to invest in the development of biathlon in the US.

I was overseas this past summer for 4 weeks for a training camp, and this winter I plan to be in Europe for the whole season, from November to the end of March.”

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Coping with Homesickness

Q: Being away from home for such extended periods must be challenging. Do you experience homesickness?

“I do get homesick pretty often. It is so fun to travel all over the world and be a professional athlete, but it can get lonely and difficult to be away from your family for so long. I have been blessed with family and friends that understand my lifestyle and know that it won’t be forever. They can’t wait for me to come home at the end of every season.

I’ve learned how to make the best of it, and now that travel restrictions from Covid are over, my family and friends have actually been able to come over to Europe to watch me race! At last year’s IBU World Cup in Soldier Hollow, Utah, I had over 40 people travel across the US to come cheer me on! So, even though I get homesick, I also have a village back home that has helped me get to this point in my life, and knowing they support me helps me get through the tougher days on the road.”

Q: Where will the racing season begin for you this year?

“This year the World Cup kicks off in Kontiolahti, Finland, and our team is doing our pre-camp in Vuokatti, Finland now.”

Looking Ahead

Q: What are your goals for this upcoming season? Will you be competing at the World Championships in Lenzerheide?

“This year’s goals are pretty simple. Improve a little on last year. So, a couple more top 15s would be sweet and more consistent shooting. I’ve made a lot of improvement in both my skiing and shooting the past couple of years, so I think the best I can work towards is more consistency throughout the season and, of course, staying healthy!

I will be in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, for the World Championships, and hopefully, I will shoot as well as I did last year at the Lenzerheide World Cup.”

Visit The Home of Biathlon USA for updates 

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