January has been an incredible month of racing, training, travel, and new life experiences. Between racing internationally with Team USA, training in Norway, and visiting countries I never imagined I’d see through sports, I can’t think of a better way to begin the new year.
It’s easy to forget, especially in a results-driven sports, that my long-term goals stretch far beyond a single race or season. This month was just one step on a much longer path. Still, that doesn’t make these experiences any less meaningful. I was honored to qualify to represent the United States at the Junior IBU Cup in Latvia and Finland, and those two weeks became a mix of learning, growth, achievement, and connection.
Biathlon is a sport of balance. While I love both skiing and shooting, shooting has always held a special place for me. Since starting biathlon nearly five years ago, I’ve carried certain goals. During the opening week in Latvia, I achieved one of them for the first time: 100% prone shooting. Over two weeks of racing, I averaged 92% shooting across 90 competition rounds. More than the numbers, it gave me confidence and proof that I can execute calmly and skillfully at this level when it matters most.
One of the things I love most about the Junior Cup circuit is that it takes us to places I never would have thought to add to a travel list. Madona, Latvia quickly became one of those places. Ruby-red sunrises, colorful sunsets, small grocery stores, unfamiliar but delightful Latvian candy, and kind local people all became part of daily life.
Experiencing a place like this alongside teammates and coaches made it even more special. Traveling as an independent young woman is one thing; seeing the world through the lens of likeminded athletes – people chasing similar goals with similar dedication, is something entirely different.
That sense of shared experience extends beyond Team USA. The Junior Cup is a place where you race the same athletes year after year, slowly getting to know each other across languages and cultures. Some evenings meant shared meals, long conversations, or playing games, like Catan with Swedish teammates while practicing a language that isn’t my own. These are the moments that make the circuit feel like a small, moving community rather than just a competition.
The second half of the trip took us north to Imatra, Finland, a journey that began at 4 a.m. and stretched over twelve hours by bus and ferry. We crossed Estonia, traveled over the Baltic Sea, and eventually arrived in Helsinki before continuing on to Imatra. While foreign and new, the setting also carried a quiet familiarity that reminded me of home.
Racing in Imatra was demanding. The competition was deeper, and the course itself was challenging enough that adjustments were made after the first race to improve safety. I personally appreciated the changes; they created a faster, more dynamic course that made racing feel exciting rather than intimidating.
Imatra was also special for another reason: it marked the first time I’ve ever finished an entire relay race at the international level. Due to IBU lap rules, Team USA is often pulled before the final leg. This time, all four athletes finished with zero penalty loops, placing 12th overall. Relay racing is deeply meaningful to me; it’s one of the rare moments where we truly race as a unit, cheering and supporting one another while representing something bigger than ourselves.
As I write this, I’ve been away from Anchorage for nearly three months. In that time, I’ve raced alongside Olympians, Junior World athletes, World Cup racers, and future contenders. I’ve celebrated holidays abroad, trained with old friends and new ones, and worked with coaches who care deeply about both performance and development.
And this season isn’t over yet.
In February, I’ll race the Norway Cup series in Bardufoss with Fossum IF, and I’ve recently learned I’ll also be part of a US Biathlon–organized training camp in Lillehammer, followed by additional Norwegian Cup races. Norway offers one of the most competitive biathlon environments in the world, where local races can rival international fields. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned and continue to hone in on areas to improve.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities this season has given me, not just as an athlete, but as a person. The races matter, but so do the small moments: shared meals, early mornings, unfamiliar food, laughter in hotel hallways, and the realization that I’m living a life I once never thought would be possible.
Special thank you to my sponsors including Taku Engineering, Lange and Associates, WEKA Tactical, Max Borsky Sport, Hydrate Alaska, Helly Hansen
For those who have asked how to support this phase of my season, I’ve shared a fundraising page below. Any level of support helps make continued training and racing possible, and I’m grateful for the encouragement I’ve received along the way.
— Haley
