The Caniwi (2010 Olympic Qualifier)

My passion is biathlon and I am a dedicated international athlete, living my dream, and determined to achieve my goals. My biathlon career started when I was 13 years old, with cadet and civilian biathlon, training and racing across Canada. Being provided with these opportunities at such a young age sparked a life long obsession with such an exciting and rare sport. I have been competing for seven years and I continue to be more and more determined and dedicated to the sport of biathlon with every new experience.

Development

I am not solely passionate about competing to my personal best, but also in promoting the sport, and helping with its development. I have my level two coaching certificate for biathlon, and have coached numerous cross-country ski lessons. Getting new generations into biathlon, and seeing the excitement when they get to hold my biathlon rifle, or when they hit their first target adds more satisfaction to the sport. I love to give back to the sport that has provided me, and hopefully more, with incredible opportunities. By being a coach and a role model to younger athletes, I will hopefully spark a new found desire in someone else, thus bringing on the next set of elite, international athletes.

Aiming High

2010: This number has been in my head since I was 13 years old. The 2010 Olympics being held in Vancouver, Canada, is my life long dream, and main goal. I have been training over 500 hours a year and shooting for top results to qualify for these winter games. The last season I have been based out of Canmore, Alberta, Canada, where there is a world class range, and where the snow conditions are superb. This year I trained for five weeks at the Snow Farm in Wanaka, New Zealand in July / August, helping to finish the range and start the New Zealand biathlon club. I will then be in Europe for most of the season racing, and then return back to Canada and New Zealand to again help out and start my training for the next season. My mother is a born and raised Kiwi, and I lived in Nelson for three years when I was younger, obtaining a New Zealand passport. I will be representing New Zealand on the international level, aiming to be the first biathlete to compete at the Winter Olympics for the sport.

Quick Facts

Age:20

Birthdate:February 16th, 1988

Started Biathlon:2001

Hometown:Canmore, Canada

Training:SnowFarm, Wanaka , Canmore Nordic Centre

Nationalaties:New Zealand and Canadian (Caniwi)

Country Represents Internationally:New Zealand

First International Competition:WJCH 2006

Best International Result:12th at WJCH in the Sprint competition

Goals:2010 Olympics, Top ½ placing at WJCH 2009, Qualify for World Championships in Korea 2009.

Favourite Food:Potatoes

Favourite Music:Anything that will keep me going on a long workout!

Best Training Partner:My pup, Oakley

Greatest Support:My amazing family! And my extended family, also known as my super friends.