Vermont proud to host biathlon

Photo By Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Tatro | U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Adam Reed, Maine Army National Guard, ejects a shell after firing his rifle during the pursuit race at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site, Jericho, Vt., March 1, 2015. The winner of the race will become a part of the U.S. All-Guard Team and will be able to compete in international competitions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman First Class Jeffrey Tatro)  

JERICHO, VT, UNITED STATES

03.02.2015

Story by Airman 1st Class Dana Alyce-Schwarz 

158th Fighter Wing

CAMP ETHAN ALLEN, Jericho, Vt. – Over 120 athletes from 24 states gathered in Vermont for the 40th Annual Chief, National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships. Competing over the course of five days the athletes will push themselves to the limit both physically and mentally

Over 120 athletes from 24 states gathered in Vermont for the 40th Annual Chief, National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships. Competing over the course of five days the athletes will push themselves to the limit both physically and mentally.

“It is an honor to welcome so many great athletes who represent our National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Steven Cray, the Adjutant General of Vermont. “As the Executive Director of the program, I welcome all the Soldiers and Airmen who are hard-working, talented and driven service members representing our states and the National Guard as a whole.”

As a sport the Biathlon is unique in that it combines cross-country skiing, designed to elevate the heart rate, and precision marksmanship, which requires a steady hand and controlled breathing. Athletes ski long distances, typically averaging 10 kilometers, then transition to shooting targets as small as a golf ball at 50-meter distances. This combination of cardiovascular stress and mental concentration breeds a high caliber of athlete, as well as Soldiers and Airmen. This ability to move quickly, shoot accurately and communicate clearly is essential to mission success.

“There is an extreme level of discipline and focus required,” said Staff Sgt. Sarah Lehto, Head Biathlon Coach for the Vermont National Guard. “Our athletes are very passionate about the sport and we train throughout the year to prepare for the championships. Several of our competitors have gone on to the U.S. National Team and have competed in world cups and the Olympics.”

The National Guard has the Biathlon program to encourage and acknowledge excellence among its members, and to recognize the achievements and contributions of the service members who compete. The program also serves to provide Soldiers and Airmen who are highly physically fit, as well as develop a strong sense of camaraderie and community through healthy competition.

The program was turned over to the Vermont Army National Guard in 1973, and as a joint force program is available to Army and Air National Guard members throughout the country. Top athletes from this program can be selected to become members of more advanced teams and programs.

Having sent members to the Olympic team as recently as 2010, the biathlon continues to gather support. Of the 120 competitors, 30 athletes are attending the championship for their first time. The sense of community is strong, with members trading advice on technique and training, ensuring that competitors have all the equipment they need, and generally providing support and encouragement.

“Having so many members compete for their first time is an excellent opportunity,” said Lehto. “All of our athletes are very passionate about the sport, and having the chance to share the competition provides everyone with that much more motivation to push themselves.”

The biathlon opened with the sprint race, an individually timed event for two laps of the course that determines placement in the pursuit race. Later in the week competitors will join their teams for the relay race, and the patrol race where each team has a leader that directs the three others teammates on the course and shooting range. Top performing athletes will have the opportunity to form advanced teams for future events while others will return to their home states and will continue training for next year’s championship.

• Date Taken: 03.02.2015
• Date Posted: 03.02.2015 15:24
• Story ID: 155714
• Location: JERICHO, VT, US