US Biathlon Team Nominations for 2011 Biathlon World Championships, Khanty Mansysk, Russia

The International Competition Committee of the US Biathlon Association has approved nominations for the BWCH to held in Khanty Mansysk, March 2011.

Women:
Top two US Women in WC points ranking after WC 6
1) Laura Spector
2) Sara Studebaker
Discretionary Nominations:
1) Haley Johnson
2) Annalies Cook

Reasoning:
– Johnson and Cook ranked 3rd and 4th respectively after trials in Nove Mesto and Altenberg IBU Cups
– Haley Johnson had a top 40 finish at WC and good skiing times
– Annelies Cook demonstrated ability to contribute to a top relay performance as shown in the Mixed Relay in WC Pokljuka, SLO

Men:
Top three US Men in WC points ranking after WC6
1) Lowell Bailey
2) Tim Burke
3) Leif Nordgren
Discretionary Nomination:
1) Jay Hakkinen

Reasoning:
– Two top 30 finishes in WC Presque Isle
– demonstrated ability to contribute to a good relay performance as shown in Mixed Relay at WC Presque Isle
– after severe sickness ( mono) in November, Jay has shown strong trend of improvement in ski speed and overall biathlon performance.

Congratulations to all the athletes traveling to Khanty Mansysk.