Biathlon is a solo sport. Even in a four person team relay race, success depends completely on each individual teammate’s performance. Biathletes race their course alone with minimal coaching guidance to account for shooting misses, wind change, etc. They are totally dependent on their own decisions. That said, it takes an entire team of uniquely specialized people to create a well-rounded and successful biathlete.

While I believe that both skiing and shooting are of equal importance and complexity, I would like to address the intricacies of good marksmanship. But hitting the target is just aim and a nice trigger pull… right? Well, if the wind conditions haven’t changed since the last time you shot. Or if snow did not somehow shimmy its way into the peep sight completely blocking your view of the targets. If you remembered to load every one of your magazines. Or if you have absolutely no issues with one of the hundreds of components that make your rifle work… then maybe, with some honed finesse and a cleared mind, yes, that’s all it takes.

But let’s be honest; that is a big ‘if’!

My biggest struggle as a marksman has not been with my mentality, but with my beloved rifle. In my short biathlon career, I have worked with two different guns before finally purchasing my own Anschütz rifle earlier this summer. Even though it never seems like it at the time, each minor adjustment or mechanical issue that I’ve had has only made me a more competent and confident athlete. Somehow, I’ve managed to stay calm in my races and get away with a clean (or three) during those tough venues! I will attribute that to good aim, some finesse, and great people who helped boost my confidence in times of need.

I have tremendous respect and gradititude for our local biathlon armor, Mike Millholin. He has taken the time to understand and address any question or problem that I have had with my rifle and has turned it into a learning opportunity for me! I have learned an exponential amount about the inner workings of my rifle that I had no idea existed. Not only does Mike take the time to get to know my rifle, but he has always been very supportive of my journey. He understands and appreciates how hard I work. I wouldn’t have achieved nearly the amount of success in biathlon without his time and help. He is an incredible asset to our biathlon community. It should come as no surprise, considering his long history with biathlon and the volunteering that he continues to offer in our community.

I would like share his current volunteer commitments. He has an amazing background story filled with many accomplishments and volunteer history over the last several decades. Sarah Wilson covered a great story about him last year on page 12-13 in The Alaska Nordic Skier Newsletter. It is worth checking out!

Mike is currently the volunteer armor for NSAA, Alaska Biathlon Association, and Anchorage Biathlon Club. He is also the Range Safety Officer and assistant instructor for the Matanuska Valley Sportsmen in Palmer, Alaska.