17 Questions for 2017: Scott Gow

Biathlon Canada "Eh" Teamer Scott Gow training in New Zealand this summer. (Courtesy photo) — Biathlon Canada “Eh!” Teamer Scott Gow training in New Zealand this summer. (Courtesy photo)

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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Scott Gow’s World Cup season might not have started off as a barn-burner last year, but he made up for it later: the Canadian biathlete notched a season-best 34th place at home in Canmore, then headed to World Championships in Oslo where he finished 18th in the 20 k individual and then turned in a tough-as-nails performance to contribute to a bronze medal in the men’s relay.

Gow just turned 26 and is looking for more from the World Cup this season.

1. Biggest change in your life in the last five or so months since the ski season ended?

My Grandpa passed away in April, which left a huge hole in my mom’s side of the family. He was very old and his health was on the decline, but it was still tough to have him go.

2. Biggest change in your training?

I haven’t made any major changes in the structure of my training. I’m doing a little more volume this year, but that’s about it. My biggest change has been in my mental approach to training. I’m much harder on myself, from a mental standpoint, to iron out any inconsistencies in my shooting, ski technique, etc.

3. Major areas of improvement you’ve seen so far?

The Canadian men's team training in Park City, Utah. (Courtesy photo) — The Canadian men’s team training in Park City, Utah. (Courtesy photo)

I’ve seen some good improvements in shooting accuracy during high intensity and I’ve also seen my ski speed come up a bit over previous years.

4. Whom you’ve been working closest with this offseason (coaches or training partners)?

We are a very close team, so I’ve been working closest with Christian, Brendan, Nathan and Macx and our coach Matthias. We’ve had some excellent training sessions together just the six of us, and we’ve been having fun too.

5. Best trip in the last five months (and why)?

I love Park City, it’s my favorite training camp, but I would have to give it to New Zealand. I had never been to the southern hemisphere, and spending three weeks on snow in NZ was a ton of fun.

6. Favorite cross-training?

Normally I’m not a huge fan of running, but I do enjoy going running with my girlfriend and our dog. They make running infinitely more enjoyable

7. Favorite non-athletic activity or pastime this summer?

I enjoy booting up my xbox and playing online with my brothers. It can get heated but we all like playing with each other.

8. Song that was your jam this summer?

There isn’t one particular song. I’m a classic rock guy, so if the song was on the charts more than 20 years ago I’m probably listening to it.

9. All-time favorite race moment?

Gow (left) and the Canadian team celebrates their bronze medal before taking the podium for the men's relay. (Photo: JoJo Baldus) — Gow (left) and the Canadian team celebrates their bronze medal before taking the podium for the 2016 World Championships men’s relay. (Photo: JoJo Baldus)

Hands down the relay in Oslo last year. It doesn’t get much better than winning a medal with your teammates and your brother on one of the world’s biggest stages

10. First thing you pack in your bag when you leave for Europe?

Wallet and passport. I’ve shown up to the airport without those two items before, and I’ll never make that mistake again

11. Venue/event you’re most excited to visit this season?

I’m excited to check out Korea. I’ve never been to Asia before so it will be an interesting experience

12. Who will win the World Cup title this year?

Biathlon: Simon Schempp and Marie Dorin Habert, Cross Country: Dario Cologna and Marit Bjorgen

13. Biggest sacrifice you feel you’ve made choosing this career path?

I’ve had to put my education and career on hold.

14. If you could change one thing about your sport, what would it be?

I would get rid of the politics that permeate all levels of the sport.

15. What did you have for breakfast this morning?

I had oatmeal and brown sugar with a banana