Applications now open for elite U.S. skiers — 2022 U.S. Biathlon Team Talent ID Program LAKE PLACID, NY

FasterSkier · March 22, 2022

Overview

The U.S. Biathlon Team invites current and/or recently graduated collegiate cross country skiers to apply to its Talent ID program. The program is designed for current cross-country skiing talents who are interested in continuing their athletic ski racing careers professionally after college, but need professional support and guidance in committing to their next step.

This fully-supported, pre-professional summer training team based in Lake Placid, NY will prepare athletes to transition from their collegiate careers to full-time training and racing through a world-class physical training program that introduces and develops biathlon skills throughout. Athletes are supported by a elite ski coaches, experts in nutrition, strength, and psychology, and access to recovery centers and more. For well-matched athletes showing athletic potential and commitment by the end of summer, this program offers a development “fast track” in the exciting world of biathlon racing with continued support and National Team Program offers.

How biathlon opens doors for elite training and international racing

Biathlon is a major career opportunity for talented cross-country skiers who want to continue racing professionally beyond college in front of tens of thousands on the vibrant World Cup biathlon scene. Athletes like Susan Dunklee (USA), Clare Egan (USA), Denise Herrmann (GER), Stina Nilson (SWE), and many others have consistently proven that it’s possible to achieve world-class results without prior shooting experience at a younger age. With proper training, a strong skiing background, and a commitment to excellence, you can develop shooting skills in your early 20s and go on to win World Championship and Olympic medals.

Focus on the target in Oberhof, Germany during the pursuit. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Program Details

Who should apply: Talented cross-country skiers with a proven record of successful National racing who are looking to take their athletic career past college ski racing. You do not need to be a college graduate to apply, but you should be at least 20 years of age.

Where is the program held: Our talent ID program is run out of the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Lake Placid, New York. Athletes selected for this program will receive free housing and food for the entire duration of the program.

When is this program:

Phase I: June-August 2022
Phase II: September 2022-March 2023

The program has two phases. The first phase is a summer program that runs from June through August. This phase is appropriate for all athletes, even those that will be returning to college in the fall but would like to learn more about biathlon and have a competitive training group over the summer months.

The second phase of the program will be offered to athletes that successfully complete the summer program and are motivated to commit to biathlon full time. At this time, selected athletes may be named to the US Biathlon X- Team. Once promoted to the X-Team, athletes will receive:

A resident room at the OPTC in Lake Placid
Access to National Team Coaches
Invitations to select National Team training camps
Access to a biathlon rifle
International racing opportunities

Athletes receiving support as a result of the summer program often work with a US Biathlon coach for the remainder of the year with the goal of qualifying for a start spot on the U.S. squad heading to the IBU Cup, the biathlon racing circuit in Europe below the World Cup. This program can put you on the fast track to the U.S. Biathlon National Team and international racing opportunities like this.

Coaching: Four-time Olympian and World Championship Silver medalist Tim Burke will lead this program and a National Development coach TBD.

Cost: The only cost of this program is your travel to Lake Placid!

To Apply

Interested athletes should submit a letter of interest to the Director of Athlete Development, Tim Burke, at tburke@usbiathlon.org by April 20th. If you have any questions, please contact Tim Burke.