Biathlon is an exciting sport that requires physical and mental training and it’s coming to Fort St. John for the BC Winter Games!
Introduced during the 1924 Winter Olympics in Chamonix, France, the Biathlon originates from hunting techniques that have been used in Scandinavian countries for centuries. This high-pressure sport combines exhaustive cross-country skiing with the intensity shooting a target with a rifle. During the competition, the biathlete’s aerobic and mental endurance are tested and spectators are provided with an adrenaline-filled experience!
The North Peace Road and Gun Club will host the Biathlon for the Fort St. John 2020 BC Winter Games. The venue has been “built from the ground up”, says Angela Telford, Director of Sports for the 2020 Winter Games.
“The Club has been really great at facilitating us and we are lucky to have them,” she says.
The biathletes at the 2020 Winter Games will race at grueling speed to complete multiple laps over a 1.5 km snow track, stopping intermittently to set up and fire shots at a stationary target. Missed shots result in penalties that require further time on the track until the finish line is finally crossed. Heart rates can reach between 160 and 180 BPM when the biathlete stops to shoot. Typically, the goal when shooting is to have a slow heart rate; breathing techniques, in addition to stamina, must be mastered to compete in this sport.
“For communities to have a successful BC Winter Games it takes a village,” said Telford, “and the Rod and Gun Club has been super supportive.” Currently there is no biathlon club in Fort St. John. However, there is potential for one to exist after the Fort St. John 2020 BC Winter Games because much of the infrastructure from the event will remain in the community.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the excitement of the Biathlon and many other sporting events taking place during the Fort St John 2020 BC Winter Games, held Feb. 20-23, 2020! For more information visit www.bcgames.org/Games/BC-Winter-Games.