I started running races when I was around four or five. Around that same age was when I first remember setting foot in the Alaska Rock Gym. I began climbing just for fun in a recreational program. I was invited to join the climbing team when I was eight and I loved competing in and out of state. Several unforeseen circumstances including COVID forced me to step away from climbing. I was eager to fill the void of training and competing with other peers my age. Biathlon landed in my life at just the right time! This year round outside sport carried along without pandemic related interruptions of which many other sports were challenged by. It also fed the aspects of athletics that I value.