A little bit about me

Just in case anyone is wondering what my background is as it relates to Biathlon and fitness, I thought I'd supply a little bit of information about myself.

I first became interested in Biathlon around 2006 when I saw a photograph of Ole Einar Bjørndalen from the Torino Olympics in a newspaper article.  It was rare exposure for such a fringe sport (at least in Kanada), but as it turned out, a pivotal exposure.  From that moment, I thought Biathlon was the most wonderful sport in the world, and set out to find more about the sport and the people who participated in it.

After several years of following athletes like Michael Greis, Martina Glagow, and Andrea Henkel, a breakthrough opportunity presented itself to me.  My friend Joszef had obtained tickets for us to attend some Biathlon races at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver!  The experience was incredibly special, from camping out in the snow, to watching legends such as Bjørndalen and Magdalena Neuner ski past with immortal grace.

Shortly afterwards, I was able to try Biathlon shooting at the local range at Mt Washington. After this I was hooked.  I knew this was the sport for me, and set out to obtain my own Biathlon rifle and pursue training in this sport.   It wasn't an easy path.  From the time I set out getting my firearms licence, to waiting for a left-handed Anschütz to arrive in the mail, over a year had passed by.  While I could hone my marksmanship skills at Mt Washington, this was over 250 kilometres away.  It took me another few years to get a membership at the local gun club, which just happened this August.

During this time I had opportunities to serve on the Board of Directors for the Vancouver Island Biathlon Club, helping to set up races and programs.  After taking the entry level officials course through Biathlon Canada, I was also an official at several races, with my last officials opportunity being at the range at the Canadian and North American Championships this past March in Whistler.

I have also participated in several races, including BC Cup races. Two years ago I placed third at the provincials.  I can still remember my first race in Whistler.  I had no idea how bloody hard this sport was!  I don't think I was fit enough, and I was slaughtered on the hills.  When I came in to shoot, my mind was usurped and distracted by the pain my body was going through. However, I wouldn't be writing these words now if I didn't derive some sort of sadistic pleasure from the sport!  Shooting underneath the Olympic rings thrilled me to no end, and anyone who has ever shot at Biathlon targets will know what I'm talking about when I say it's a great feeling to hear that sound made when you hit the target bang on.  It's the best sound in the world!  I also cannot even begin to describe the feeling of hitting all five targets in a shooting bout, thus being able to ski right past the penalty loop with a confident smile.  These pleasures keep me alive and looking forward to my next race.

Living on Vancouver Island, racing is really hard.  It costs hundreds of dollars just to attend one race weekend because one requires a ferry to get off the Vancouver Island.  After this, one must then drive hundreds of kilometres to the race venues.  Sometimes I wonder why I spend so much time and money on a sport I can only participate in a couple of times a year?  But the answer to that question is clear - it's love.  I love this sport more than anything else, and it really is more than just about racing.  It's about training regularly, making improvements and breakthroughs, meeting other Biathlon fans from around the world, and being part of this small but passionate community.

This past February I went to the World Championships in Nové Město na Moravě with my good friend, Franz.  Compared to being at the Olympics, I enjoyed these Championships much more. I think this was because my participation in the sport gave me a much deeper understanding of what was happening during the races, and also an appreciation for how much work athletes must put in to making it to a World Cup race, let alone getting on the podium.  I could write about my experience in Nové Město na Moravě for days, but maybe I will save that for another time.

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As far as my specific credentials in sport and Biathlon go, here's a little breakdown.  I have taken courses in fitness theory, strength training, and personal training through BCRPA, which is the governing body for personal trainers in British Columbia, Canada.  As mentioned above, I have also taken the entry level officials course through Biathlon Canada, volunteering at several races over the past few years, from Cadet races to the National Championships.
As well, I have completed my coaching certification through Biathlon Canada up to level 2, which is now called Introduction to Competition.  I thought I would include scans of my transcripts just so you believe me ;)

And this is a brief description of my involvement with Biathlon! I have always had a hard time finding information about the sport, but have been fortunate to meet people who have shared their knowledge with me.  I would especially like to thank Pat Douglas, who taught me about Biathlon shooting.  I would also like to thank her son, Philip Douglas, who loaned me his rifle for my very first race.  Without these two people I might not be here writing these words.

The whole purpose of this website is to pass on the humble amount that I know about the best sport in the world.  It is my goal to inspire others, and to offer a one stop source for information that may just answer some burning questions.  If you would like to share your experiences with me, or offer some information to add to this blog, please write me at waldverloren@gmail.com.  

Thank you!

The infamous Norbert and I at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics

Gabriela Soukalova in Nove Mesto.  It was great seeing the

legends of Biathlon zoom past so close!

Terje Bøe's victory in the men's mass start in Nove Mesto was amazing 

to witness first hand.  I'll never forget these Championships.