Biathlon not at World Masters Winter Games 2015???

Some good friends of mine in Kelowna recently mentioned to me that not only is there such thing as a World Masters Winter Games, but that it will actually be in Quebec City in 2015.  Dang!  Well really I haven't given these Games too much thought, but after checking out photographs from the Biathlon Masters International Championships currently happening in Kontiolahti, Finland (http://www.biathlon-kontiolahti.fi/masters/), I felt a growing sense of desire to attend one of these amazing events.  Okay, so I may be too old to compete under any flag at the Olympics these days, although Ole Einar might disagree with me, there is still the possibility of enjoying the competition and camaraderie of sport in my twilight years.

Despite my desire to attend these World Masters Winter Games, there's one little catch - Biathlon isn't included!  Can you believe it?  How anyone could consciously decide to exclude the wickedest sport of all time from being a part of these Winter Games is straight up daft.  To add insult to injury, other sports like snow-shoeing were included! I was speechless, but thankfully not for long.  I scribbled a little note and sent it off to the organising committee this afternoon.  If you feel as strongly as I do about Biathlon being a part of these Games, I'd highly suggest you also write a little note, which can be sent to info@imga.ch'. 

Here is the letter that I sent in today:

From: Dettling, Christoph
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2014 11:35 AM
To: 'info@imga.ch'
Subject: Biathlon at Masters Winter Games in Quebec City

Good Afternoon:

I am writing in regards to the inclusion, or rather the decision to exclude, the sport of Biathlon from the upcoming Winter Games in Quebec City.  It is not only with great sadness that I note this, but also great confusion.  Biathlon is an exciting sport that has continued to grow in popularity since its official inclusion in the Olympics in Squaw Valley.  Since then, the number of fans and participants of this sport has grown astronomically, and now it is one of the most popular winter sports in Europe.

One has to wonder how such a mystifying sport like Biathlon could gain so much popularity?  While it does have its roots in the military and used to be used as a way for countries to exhibit their military superiority, the same could be said for other sports as well.  However, I believe the sport’s appeal is much more far-reaching, and this is why it is of singular interest to those outside the military as well. Biathlon, like other sports, demands a very sharp, focused mind and fit body.  However, unlike everyother racing sport, the element of shooting in Biathlon offers a unique dynamic that leaves spectators sitting on the edge of their seats until the last moment, as a single shot could literally be the difference between first place and last place.  The psychological pressure athletes endure in the shooting range is experienced by the fans as well, and they are left gasping or cheering as their favourite athletes hit the targets or ski in frustration around the penalty loop.  In light of this, it is no wonder that Biathlon has garnered the interest of those keen to try the sport for themselves.

Biathlon has become a very spectator-friendly sport that has, I believe, also become an ambassador sport for the constructive and safe use firearms.  Having personally attended the Vancouver Olympics and also the World Championships in Nové Město na Moravě, I was delighted to see friendly, non-violent spectators enjoying and celebrating a friendly, non-violent sport.  In fact, it is too bad other sports (and their fans) such as hockey and European football could not learn from the level of professionalism, sportsmanship, and non-violence exhibited by the wonderful sport of Biathlon.Biathlon is more than a sport and also offers lessons in discipline, fair play, and knowledge of oneself and the world around one.  Martin Fourcade, the current number one Biathlete in the world, recently commented in Oslo that he does not care as much where he finishes as he does about hitting 90% of his targets.  This, I feel, also speaks to the focus of the sport.  That is, it is more about personal excellence than it is about being better than someone else.  No, it is far more important to be the best version of yourself, and this  defines the atmosphere of the sport.

To be sure, I cannot deny that I have a personal vested interest in wanting Biathlon to be included in these Winter Games.  Not only am I a certified Biathlon coach and official who has enjoyed competing in the sport for the past several years, but I also believe the spirit which Biathlon embodies is necessary for the Winter Games to achieve maximum success.  It baffles me that non-Olympic sports such as winter triathlon and climbing are included in these Games, while a sport like Biathlon, which has such an undeniably rich history and ardent fan base, is excluded.

With these words I sincerely petition you to include Biathlon in the upcoming Masters Winter Games.

Kind regards,

Christoph Dettling, MA

NCCP Lvl II Biathlon Coach

Victoria, British Columbia

http://train4biathlon.blogspot.ca/