I didn’t expect my first weekend racing above the Arctic Circle in Bardufoss, Norway to be the one where almost everything went wrong.

Between multiple equipment malfunctions and even unknowingly breaking Norwegian firearm regulations, it felt like one thing after another. It would have been easy to let that define the experience, but it didn’t.

Biathlon is physically demanding, but also mentally intense. Especially when things don’t go according to plan. This weekend didn’t.

I didn’t expect how much I would feel the absence of hearing my language. I was in a place where I had to figure things out on my own, or rely on the help of strangers.

Not every lesson in sport comes from the race itself. Sometimes it comes from the uncomfortable moments that force you to adapt, think differently, and grow in ways you didn’t plan for.

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Near the end of my Norway stay, I had the opportunity to travel with a group of American athletes. We spent a week training in Sjusjøen, known for its incredible Nordic ski culture and trails, before heading to Grønjkær to compete together in the next Norway Cup.

After six years in biathlon, I competed in my first Singles Relay! It’s an event where each athlete races twice instead of once. It’s fast, demanding, and requires a completely different level of focus and teamwork.

That last race was one of the highlights of the trip!

Every season has its ups and downs. Mine was no different. But what I’m taking away from this winter isn’t only the results. It is the all of the resilience built in the harder moments, the confidence gained from navigating unfamiliar situations, and the excitement to keep pushing forward.

I’m leaving this experience feeling stronger, healthier, and more motivated than ever for what’s ahead. And I’m just getting started!