Youth and Junior Athletes to Race Nationals Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in December
by Sara Donatello
U.S. Biathlon is kicking off its domestic racing season with the first-ever Youth and Junior National Championships and International Team Trials at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway, UT December 26-31, 2024.
With the intent of maximizing the number of athletes competing for a National Championship title, youth and junior athletes vying for spots on the Junior IBU Cup in Poland, Junior Open European Championship in Germany and Youth and Junior World Championship at the famous Oestersund venue in Sweden, will also be competing for a national title. In addition to international competition rosters, athlete results at Soldier Hollow will play a large role in the selection process for next summer’s elite development camps.
Over the five-day event, youth and junior athletes will compete together in two sprint races and one mass start 60. There will also be an open 5k sprint on Saturday, December 28 for any U13, U15, U17, senior and masters athletes. Though there is no no national title on the line for the open sprint, all athletes are encouraged to participate. In addition to the seven races, U.S. Biathlon will host a banquet on the evening of Monday, December 30, all participants are welcome!
"We are excited to return to the Soldier Hollow venue for our Youth and Junior Nationals and International Team Trials,” said U.S. Biathlon Director of Athlete Development Tim Burke. “This is a great opportunity for our athletes to come together and race at a world-class venue and is certainly one of the year's highlights for our development athletes. We look forward to a great series of fun, competitive races!"
Racing at Soldier Hollow, 2002, and the recently announced 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games venue, is an unparalleled experience for young athletes who may very well make their Olympic debut on the very same course in less than 10 years. Soldier Hollow features a world-class course and range and the newly constructed Sport Discovery Center, which is now home to the U.S. Biathlon Association headquarters. Click HERE to view the full event page with everything you need to know about race registration, lodging, volunteer opportunities, team selections and more.
Schedule of Events - Youth & Junior Nationals and International Team Trials
Thursday, December 26
Unofficial Training (range open 13:00-15:00)
Friday, December 27
13:00-15:00 Official Training
Saturday, December 28
13:00-13:45 Zero
14:00 Women Start 6k Sprint
14:45 Men Start 7.5k Sprint
16:00 OPEN 5k Sprint *not part of Nationals event
Sunday, December 29
09:30-12:00 Official Training
Monday, December 30
09:00-09:45 Zero
10:00 Men 12k Mass Start 60
10:45 Women 9k Mass Start 60
17:30 Banquet
Tuesday, December 31
09:00-09:45 Zero
10:00 Women start 7.5km Sprint
10:30 Men start 10 km Sprint
