October 18, 2008 (Soldier Hollow, UT) – The MWSC Biathlon Team arrived in Utah last Sunday. The team – Russell Currier, Megan Toussaint, BethAnn Chamberlain, Hilary McNamee, and Grace Boutot – is living and training around the Olympic venue from 2002 for 2-3 weeks along with members from the various National Teams. Training this week has been focused more around easier volume so the athletes can acclimate to the high altitude (over 2,000m/6,000ft.). The coaches have also coordinated their plans so that everyone is at the range together creating a competitive atmosphere, while still being able to take care of each athlete’s individual needs.

The first two days of the training camp have brought winter conditions with heavy snowfall in and around the venue and during a recent hike up into the mountains. The cold weather and snow was a welcome change for everyone.

This second week will include three time trials on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. They will act as a measurement for both the athletes and staff to assess each athlete’s progression. For the women, these races will help select the final two spot for the December World Cup Team. New this year will be the use of matched skis. Each athlete will race on the same brand of skis that will have been run through a speed trap to make sure they are all within a similar speed.

The Biathlon Team has also just launched a new blog site to allow for more frequent updates and pictures. Follow the Team this year here.

For more information on events, news, and programs can be found at Our Website.