February 02, 2011 (Nove Mesto, Czech Republic) – posted his best-ever result with an 18th place finish in Tuesday’s 12.5km Youth World Championships in Nova Mesto. The 16-year-old hit 17 of 20 shots to finish 4:35.4 behind winner, Pavel Hancharou of Bulgaria.

“I was definitely pleased with my race today and have to thank our wax techs for great skis,” said Harden in Biathlon Canada release. “I’m a little disappointed that I missed two prone shots, but was happy with my standing shooting. This is my best result of the competition so it met this goal and I’m proud of that. I’m really confident heading into the relay.”

Steffen Bartscher of Germany took 2nd place after a 2-miss performance that left him with a time of 36:42.5. Norway’s Sjastad Vetle Christiansen rounded out the podium after hitting 17 of 20 from the range for a time of 37:37.0.

Hancharou spoke after his race about his expectations leading up to his start. “When you compare my shooting and my skiing then I am definitely a better shooter,” Hancharou commented about the race in an IBU release.” That’s why the individual was my goal here.”

Casey Smith put up the top US result with a 30th place finish. Smith missed 4 shots en route to a finishing time of 41:49.0. Canada’s Macx Davies was 34th, Christian Gow was 53rd, Sam Dougherty (USA) was 54th, Albert Bouchard (CAN) placed 63rd,
Sean Doherty (USA) was 65th and American Raymond Wonders ended up in 69th.

The Youth World Championships in Nova Mesto will continue on Friday with both the Men’s and Women’s Relay competitions.

Results HERE.