The year of 2023 has kicked off to a great start in the biathlon community of Alaska. There are many people who share a nationwide passion for biathlon, making growth seem inevitable. New ranges like the Mt. Van Hoevenberg range in New York, the Ariens Nordic Center in Wisconsin, and even our own World Cup level range at Kincaid Park, Anchorage, are just the beginning!
At the Youth and Junior World Trials held in Anchorage last month, Max Cobb shared his goal of doubling the biathlon population across the world by the year 2030.
Max Cobb was recently named the first American chairman of the International Biathlon Committee. He realizes that this is a big goal! Especially considering that biathlon is the second most watched sport in Europe (just behind football). North America has the most room to grow.
Alaska is a cold, and snowy state— perfect place to nurture a strong community of passionate biathletes. However, people in Alaska face the same problems as the rest of the nation. Biathlon is largely inaccessible. John Farra plays an important role of making biathlon accessible and fostering a passion in kids and athletes across our country.
Juneau and Palmer, Alaska, are working hard to make biathlon accessible in their community. John recently gave local athletes and skiers a surprise visit at the Besh Cup series in Palmer! He met with the Juneau skiers and biathletes from both of our local clubs over the weekend that he was here! Alaska has small ranges and makeshift ranges in all corners of our state. Palmer has plans to build a range set in place and Fairbanks has close to twenty biathletes on their club! The growth possibilities are seemingly endless.
Meeting awesome people like John Farra and Max Cobb who are putting steps in place to share biathlon with everyone, encourages athletes like me to do the same!
I will include links to the heartbeat podcast where John and Max discuss their job, sports history, and future goals.
• Max Cobb’s interview on the heartbeat podcast.
• John Farra’s interview on the heartbeat podcast.
2 responses to “Building Bridges”
Wonderful Haley. You are an inspiration to many 🌟
What a great way to promote this really cool sport. Keep up the great work.