The ICC has recently approved the Criteria for the 2012 Youth Olympics. The criteria are still pending approval by the US Olympic Committee, but its unlikely they will be changed significantly. The Games will be held in Innsbruck, Austria, Jan 13-22, 2012. The selection procedure will primarily take place THIS winter, so athletes must plan ahead. This is an amazing opportunity- even if an athlete is just starting their foray into biathlon, they should consider competing in this winters’ trials. The 2012 Youth Olympic Games is the first Winter Youth Games and is modeled on the “regular” Olympics. Its fully supported (funded) by the US Olympic Committee and is run by the International Olympic Committee. There are 4 events- Sprint, Pursuit, mixed Relay, and mixed- biathlon/cross country relay.
To summarize, the USBA will be able to take 2 men and 2 women to the Youth Olympic Games. Athletes must have a birth date between Jan 1, 1994 and Dec 31, 1995. The first position will be filled by the best 4 of 9 races scored on the USBA % back method. Only age eligible athletes will be in the points calculation and points base. Races will include Jr Trials (3 races, Jericho, Dec 2010), US Biathlon Nationals (3 races, Mt Itasca, March 2011) and Summer Rollerski Biathlon Festival (3 races on matched skis, Jericho, Aug 201). The second position will be filled on coaching staff discretion, though points will definitely influence the selection. An Alternate will also be selected, based on points. All athletes will need to compete in the Youth Category.
Athletes selected to the Youth Olympic Games team (including Alternates) will be invited to funded preparatory camps in October (Soldier Hollow) and November (West Yellowstone).
USBA will be hosting a Jr Development Camp immediately after the USSA- Junior Olympics. It will be held at Mt Itasca, Grand Rapids, MN, March 13-20. This training camp is for xc skiers age 14-19 who are competing at a high level in cross country skiing and are just starting biathlon training/racing. This camp is also for those who have some biathlon experience and are looking to get some additional coaching. The camp will combine intensive marksmanship training and ski training over a week-long camp. All athletes will be able to compete at the US National Championships which will be held at Mt Itasca, March 17, 19, 20, during the last few days of the training camp.
Questions regarding the 2012 Youth Olympic Games and the USBA Jr Development Camp should be addressed to Piotr Bednarski, Director of Athlete Development, mnbiathlon@aol.com, 952/237-0765 cell.