Eric Anderson (Frontenac, MN – Bluff Country Biathlon) and Annelise Baird (Baxter, MN – Minnesota Biathlon) competed in their first international races, as youth athletes competing at the junior level. Eric and Annelise competed in the International Biathlon Union Junior Cup races in Jakuszyce, Poland, held January 16-19, 2025. The Junior Cup races began with Sprint races; Annelise led the women’s team in 50th, missing just two shots on the day while Eric Anderson finished 69^th in the men’s race. Based on her results from the Sprint, Annelise toed the line for the junior women’s Mass Start 60, finishing 56th. The final day of racing saw another Sprint. Eric bested his previous Sprint result in 53^rd while Annelise finished in 72nd.

“I’m really proud of the team’s efforts this week at the Junior Cup in Poland,” said U.S. Biathlon Director of Athlete Development and IBU Junior Cup Team Leader Tim Burke. “Many of our athletes were competing in their first international biathlon races, going up against competitors up to four years older. Despite the challenge, they held their own and can leave Poland with the confidence that they are ready to compete at the junior level on the international stage.” 

The team then traveled to Altenberg, Germany for the 2025 IBU Junior Open European Championships, held January 22-26. The race weekend consisted Individual races, Mixed and Single Mixed Relays, Sprints, and finished up with Mass Start 60 races. Eric Anderson finished 61st in the Individual with Annelise Baird in 78^th. Eric and Annelise then teamed up with Tristan Thrasher (Steamboat Springs, CO – Team Altius) and Haley Finch(Anchorage, AK – Alaska Winter Stars) for the Mixed Relay where the US Team finished 16th. Annelise finished up her racing with 79th in Sprint while Eric was 99th in the Sprint. Neither qualified for the Mass Start 60 but they enjoyed cheering for their US teammates racing the mass start.

Photos: Chris Campbell