![Christian Gow (right) and Biathlon Canada teammate Brendan Green out training this fall. (Courtesy photo)](http://fasterskier.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2016/10/unnamed-10.jpg")
Welcome to “17 Questions for 2017″, where we are catching up with American and Canadian national-team members before the beginning of the winter season.
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Christian Gow started his first World Cup in 2015 and one year later was a World Championships bronze medalist with the Canadian men’s relay team. The Alberta biathlete, 23 years old, is looking to build in his next full season on the World Cup.
1. Biggest change in your life in the last five or so months since the ski season ended?
The biggest change in my life since the race season was the passing of my grandpa. He was always one of my biggest supporters and was always out volunteering at events. It was the biggest personal loss I have ever had.
2. Biggest change in your training?
![Christian Gow (left) and Emma Lunder skiing at the Snow Farm during the Canadian national team's New Zealand training camp. (Courtesy photo)](http://fasterskier.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2016/10/unnamed-11.jpg")
The biggest training change this year is that Matthias Ahrens is now my primary coach. It has been a good transition and I think we are both feeling positive approaching the season.
3. Major areas of improvement you’ve seen so far?
I have seen improvement in most areas so far this year, the biggest would probably be my physical fitness.
4. Whom you’ve been working closest with this offseason (coaches or training partners)?
I have been working primarily with Matthias for coaching. As for training partners, we are a small and close-knit team, so I would say that all 5 of us have been working together all year.
5. Best trip in the last five months (and why)?
Best trip this year was our annual Park City training camp. I don’t know what it is exactly that I love so much about Park City, but year-in and out it is my favourite trip of the year.
6. Favorite cross-training?
My favourite cross-training would have to be mountain biking.
7. Favorite non-athletic activity or pastime this summer?
My favourite non-athletic activity this year would have to be either reading or gaming.
8. Song that was your jam this summer?
Gold by Kiiara.
9. All time favorite race moment?
![The Canadian men's team (l-r) Christian Gow, Nathan Smith, Scott Gow, and Brendan Green celebrate bronze in the men's 4 x 7.5 k relay at 2016 World Championships in Oslo, Norway. (Photo: JoJo Baldus)](http://fasterskier.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2016/04/IMG_6230.jpeg")
All time favourite race moment would definitely be the World Champs bronze medal from last year. It was by far the most surreal racing experience I have had.
10. First thing you pack in your bag when you leave for Europe?
The first thing I pack for Europe is probably my foam-roller or my underwear.
11. Venue/event you’re most excited to visit this season?
I am really excited for this years World Championships in Hochfilzen, Austria. It is a great venue and will be really exciting to have the Championships there.
12. Who will win the men’s and women’s World Cup titles this year?
Martin Fourcade and Marie Dorin Habert.
13. Biggest sacrifice you feel you’ve made choosing this career path?
The biggest sacrifice would probably be my schooling since it isn’t really possible to train effectively and take a meaningful number of courses.
14. If you could change one thing about your sport, what would it be?
I would make it so that doping didn’t exist and we could all participate on an even playing field.
15. What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Tortilla egg wraps and a bowl of yogurt with granola.
16. In 5 years, I’ll be ____?
Going to University.
17. In 50 years, I’ll be ____?
Old.
