Category: Uncategorized
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Norway: Racing and learning
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.…
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Norway: Between languages
After my first overseas trip to Poland, I learned that I didn’t want to only be an observer, I wanted to be truly immersed in my new experiences. So in an attempt to arm myself with better understanding of a broader world, I downloaded a language app. My love for the north was a natural…
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Norway: The smallest things
Hi! I have been excited to share about my time training and racing in Norway, and I realized very quickly that it was too much to fit into just one post. I had an amazing opportunity to train with the Fossum Biathlon Club, race in the national Norway series, ASKO Norway Cup, and experience this…
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Jr. IBU Cup 2026
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…
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International Biathlon Trials and Jr National Championships
Most people think of December as a time for holidays being at home. For me, it’s the most impactful part of the season. While many are settling in at home for the holidays, I’m packing skis and rifle, saying goodbye to Alaska, and heading into the races that determine where the year ahead will take…
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December Update: Training, Trials, and What’s Ahead
Hi everyone! It’s been a busy start to the winter, and I wanted to share a quick update before things really take off over the next few weeks. Since getting home from fall training, I’ve been balancing school, training, and preparing for the upcoming U.S. Trials in Lake Placid, New York. It feels like the…
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Schutzenski: Year 4
When I raced at the Schutzenski festival for the first time 4 years ago, I had a borrowed rifle and so much to learn. I was fourteen and didn’t know what to expect but I knew I loved my sport and wanted to get better. Coming back this year, everything felt familiar: the same trails,…
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Goodbye Switzerland!
I realize this is a bit of a late post. I wanted to share my experiences from the last few weeks of a great summer! Living and training in a small Swiss town was something I will never forget. I went there to train hard and to grow as an athlete and as a person.…
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Swissski Nordic Week
Day 1 – Start of Swiss Ski Nordic Week Swissski is the host of every swiss cross country skier and biathlete from the ages of 15-18. Once a year everyone gathers to train, bond, and enjoy their sport. I was lucky enough to join them in the Skissski Nordic Week this year. Or first day…
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Life Lately in Lenzerheide
Three more weeks have flown by, which means I’m officially closer to heading back to Alaska than I am to the day I arrived here. Time is moving fast, but every day has felt full and worth it. While my German language skills are still very basic, one thing that’s surprising me is how much…
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The Work Behind the View: From Swiss Alps to the Dolomites
This week, I participated in BSO’s annual GBRSAT training camp. For me, it turned into the most unforgettable part of my trip so far. I still can’t quite believe I got to do something like this. I rode through a few of Europe’s most iconic mountain ranges, shot at different ranges each morning, and lived…
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Climbing Liechtenstein 🇱🇮: One small Country in a Big Day
I first learned about Liechtenstein in a history class four years ago. It sounded like a fairytale. A tiny country tucked into the Alps with castles and kings. I never thought I’d actually go there, let alone hike through it on my own. But biathlon has a funny way of making the world feel smaller,…
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Switzerland week 1!
Wow, it’s been a whole week already! I’m still alive, and every morning I wake up in awe of where I am. My body is tired, between the time change, altitude adjustment, a new schedule, and building on training season, but it’s so worth it. Every day I feel better and stronger. I’ve been training…
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High School Graduation 2025: A New Chapter Begins!
After years of learning on mountainsides, in airports, and from textbooks in between workouts, I’m graduating high school! My path wasn’t traditional, but it was mine. I was homeschooled my entire life, and while it came with challenges and doubts from others, it gave me the freedom to chase every opportunity that came my way.…
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Skiku 2025
Skiku is a trip I look forward to every year. It’s one of the most unique and meaningful experiences I get to be part of each spring. Every second outside brings joy, challenge, learning, and connection. Not just through skiing, but through the people and the stories that surround it. This year, I was part…
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Nationals 2025 – A Wrap on Year Five (and What’s Next!)
Another season in the books! The 2025 Biathlon Nationals in Bozeman, Montana marked my fourth consecutive year at this event, and somehow it still found a way to surprise me. For me, Nationals is never just about competition, it’s about community. Athletes from across the country (and Canada!) came together to close out the season.…
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JWCH Days 8-14
Junior Worlds was a dream come true. I’m so grateful for all of the experiences I had. Not every moment was easy, and not every race went exactly how I wanted, but I’ve come home with new goals and a clearer idea of what I want to improve. One of the biggest highlights of the…
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Junior Worlds Days 5-7
Three more days have gone by so fast! I’ll be leaving in less than a week, yet the races have only just begun. Team USA was lucky to arrive earlier than usual, giving us time to adjust to the time change, recover, and get to know the racecourse better. Now, all the competitors have arrived,…
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Jr Worlds Days 1-4
I made it! After two long days of travel, I’ve finally arrived in Östersund, Sweden! This town is absolutely beautiful, and the race venue is incredible. My body was definitely feeling the travel, and on top of that, I’ve been slightly under the weather the past few days. To give myself the best shot at…
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Jr Cup Days 15-17
I’m back home! It was easier to leave this year knowing that this is not the end of my European adventures this season. I am not sure when I will return to Prague or Poland again, so I soaked up every moment while I was there these last two weeks. I am so grateful to…
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Jr Cup days 10-14
And just like that, I have two more races under my belt and only a few days left on this incredible trip! Every single day here has been packed with big adventures, and it’s been an experience I’ll never forget. We’ve explored the land around our hotel and have come to know it pretty well.…
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Jr Cup Days 6-9
A lot has happened in the past few days! I had the chance to watch the Women’s Mass Start 60 and cheer on all the athletes climbing the toughest hill of the course. It’s easy to forget how much fun cheering can be—especially knowing you’re giving someone that extra boost when they need it most.…
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Jr Cup Days 4-6
The past few days have been all about adjusting to the 10-hour time difference and preparing for the first race! Yesterday was the first time I slept all the way until my alarm at 7:30am. That feels like progress! Afternoons after training have mostly been spent fighting off jet lag and staying awake until our…
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Jr IBU Trip 24/25 Days 1-3
After 34 hours of traveling, Prague finally came into view! An eight-hour layover in Frankfurt turned into an unexpected adventure, and getting to spend part of it exploring the city was such a highlight. A bit of walking led to some fun surprises—my first taste of European food, topped off with a delicious tiramisu. The…
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Trials and Tribulations
This past year has been a transformative one. Making the difficult decision to step away from a familiar training environment allowed me to realign with my goals, both as an athlete and as a person. It has been challenging, but it has also led me to amazing teammates, coaches, and biathlon families who inspire me…
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Finding My Stride: Early Season Adventures In Canmore
I recently returned from my first trip to Canmore, Alberta, and it was nothing short of amazing. Experiencing the stunning Rocky Mountains and skiing on Canmore’s world-class venue—home to nordic and biathlon World Cups—was the perfect way to kick off the 2024/25 season. Having my dog, Tiny, along for her second trip to Canada made…
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Winter is Coming: The Start of a New Season
There’s nothing quite like waking up to fresh snow in the yard. The faster winter approaches, the more my excitement is building—I can feel the start of ski season in the air, even if the snow didn’t stay for long today! After two months of fall training, filled with ups and downs, the snow is…
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Mount Marathon Race: July 4th 2024
Competing in Mount Marathon Race has been a 4th of July tradition for me since I was nine years old! This year was my final race in the junior division for 17 and under, where I raced to the junior turnaround halfway up Mount Marathon. Next year will bring new challenges as I race the…
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USBA Training Camp
Attending the June USBA Camp at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid was nothing short of amazing. Six months ago, I couldn’t have imagined that I would be offered this opportunity. It was the largest camp ever hosted by US Biathlon Association, bringing together over 35 athletes from the Junior and Senior National Teams…
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Biathlon Spring Training: Mixing It Up
After a full training and competition season, it was refreshing to take a break and spend quality time with friends and family. This downtime allowed me to reset, reflect, and indulge in hobbies like watercoloring and playing the guitar! Exploring New Training Avenues During this break, I connected with some amazing coaches and mentors who…
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Volunteer Skiku Trip to Utqiagvik 2024
Last week, I volunteered with Skiku in Utqiagvik, the northernmost town in the United States! Skiku is an Alaskan program dedicated to bringing the joys of skiing and biathlon to rural communities. It was my second year volunteering with the program, and once again, it was an experience filled with adventure, cultural immersion, and unforgettable…
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2024 National Championships
Spending the last three weeks racing and touring on the east coast has been a great way to end the 23/24 race season! I participated in my first XC Ski Junior National Championships (JNs) in Lake Placid, New York, then made my way up through Quebec on the way to the 2024 Biathlon National Championships…
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Biathlon State Championships
Just like that, the local race season comes to an end. Biathlon State Champs happen over the first weekend in March every year. Yesterday we had a shortened sprint because of the cold and windy weather! Shooting in standing was difficult, but it was all another good experience. The race was so quick making it…
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2024 XC State Championships
The 2024 High School XC Ski State Champs happened over this last weekend. We had our opportunity to ski through snow, wind, and sun over three days. The athletes from around Alaska are some of the most talented skiers in the country. Not only is the State competition a way for our whole community of…
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Jr. IBU Trip Day 13 (a week delayed)
It’s already been an entire week since I made the 35 hour trip home! We had a full day of packing after the races before leaving at 2:00am to catch the 2 hour ride to Prague Airport. I have trained a little, recovered a lot, and I attended my second year at the Alaska Rural…
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Jr. IBU Trip Day 12: JOECH 7.5k Sprint
Wow! I am so excited that my first trip overseas has brought me all that I could have asked for. I came here excited to just race at an international venue, meet new people, and explore a different culture and country. I have loved every day of being here and getting the opportunities to check…