20-for-20 with Thomas Hulsman

In another 20-something-question, fill-in-the-blanks series, we checked in with the world-class U.S. and Canadian biathletes that competed at 2017 International Biathlon Union (IBU) Youth & Junior World Championships Feb. 22-28 in Osrblie (also known as Brezno-Osrblie), Slovakia.

Here’s 17-year-old Thomas Hulsman, of the Foothills Nordic Ski Club, who represented Canada at his first Youth Worlds. He finished 57th in the youth men’s 12.5 k individual, 87th in the 7.5 k sprint, and on Monday, 15th with his team in the men’s 3 x 7.5 k relay.

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“My full name is Thomas Hulsman, but you can call me Tommy.  I was born in Calgary, Alberta, raised in Airdrie, Alberta, and one thing you should know about my hometown is it’s the best City in Canada.

I started cross-country skiing when I was 11 and started biathlon when I was 12, thanks to watching the 2010 Olympics. I currently train in Canmore, Alberta, with Foothills Nordic Ski Club.

If I’m not skiing, you might find me coaching, trail running and biking.

If I had to pick a favorite book, it would be none!…….no time to read, too busy training, probably military history.

One of the things I’m most excited about for Youth/Junior World Championships in Brezno-Osrblie is the experience.

This will be my first Youth/Junior World Championships, and this year, I’m competing as a youth. One race I’m especially targeting there is the individual.

The best advice anyone ever gave me about skiing or racing was just shoot, don’t think during a race.

One of the best race memories I have is my first nationals medal.

If I could meet one World Cup skier, it would be Martin Fourcade.

If I don’t end up being a professional skier, I’ll probably be in the Canadian Forces.

I’m missing 15 days of school to be here, and my teachers/professors are probably thinking, ‘How is Tommy doing?‘

You can follow me on Instagram @Tommygun31.”