December 30, 2014 (Mt. Itasca, Coleraine, Minn.) – The Youth / Junior World Team Trials were completed Tuesday at Mt. Itasca in Coleraine, Minn., despite sub-zero temperatures. U.S. Biathlon congratulates the following athletes, as well as their families, coaches and clubs, on their qualification for the Youth / Junior World Championships in Minsk-Raubichi, Belarus, Feb 17-24, 2015.

U.S. Biathlon’s International Competition Committee may announce additional team members on the evening of Jan. 1, 2015. The Youth (under 19) and Junior (under 21) World Championships will attract the best age group athletes from over 30 nations.

Junior Women
– Maddie Phaneuf, Maine Winter Sports Ctr, USBA X Team, Old Forge, N.Y., pre-qualified by her 4th place at the 2014 YWCH
– Mikaela Paluszek, Maine Winter Sports Ctr, Saxtons River, Vt.  Top-ranked junior woman at the trials.

Youth Women
– Chloe Levins, Mtn Top Nordic Ski Club, Rutland, Vt. Top-ranked youth woman at the trials
– Siena Ellingson, Mt. Itasca / MN Biathlon, Minnetonka, Minn. Second-ranked youth woman at the trials

Junior Men
– Sean Doherty, USBA X-Team, Center Conway, N.H., pre-qualified by medals at the 2014 YWCH
– Brian Halligan, Maine Winter Sports Ctr, Gansevoort, N.Y., Top-ranked junior man at the trials

Youth Men
– Cam Christiansen, Nisswa NW / MN Biathlon, Pequot Lakes, Minn.,  Top-ranked youth man at the trials
– Paul Everett, Methow Valley Biathlon, Tacoma, Wash., Second-ranked youth man at the trials

U.S. Biathlon wishes to thank the Mt. Itasca Biathlon Club for organizing the trials on short notice due to a lack of snow Anchorage, Alaska, where the trials were scheduled.  Full results will be posted soon here.

Congratulations to all 45 athletes who participated in the Youth/Junior World Team trials and we wish you much success in the New Year!