Page 44 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

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Nordic Skiing
Capt Adam Keenan
1 MERCIAN began the Nordic season
in Pirbright in mid-November with five
of eight complete novice skiers. The UK training camp consisted of Roller-Skiing, basic Biathlon Marksmanship and some physical training to prepare our soldiers for the on-snow challenges ahead. After a successful development camp, the team left for Sweden to begin transitioning what they had learnt in the UK, on the Nordic Ski circuits of Idre Fjall. After challenging few weeks on tough terrain, used by the International Biathlon Union for its races, the team were race ready.
A tremendous effort from our soldiers, finishing 3rd of 28 teams in the 7.5km Biathlon Relay and 5th in the Individual 15km Classic of 16 teams comprising 124 individual skiers. It is worth noting
1 MERCIAN is still one of the most junior teams in the Infantry with only three previous seasons of experience between the team.
We have two skiers in the team that have performed outstandingly. They
are both highly likely to be given the opportunity to train throughout 2022 with the GB Development Team in the hope they will compete at the Olympic Games in the near future.
Pte Reed finished 4th of 112 skiers in the Biathlon Relay event, only missing one of 10 targets on the range, the second- best shooting of the entire camp. He then finished 14th of 124 skiers in the Individual Classic. For only his second season, and second time on snow in any manner, this
is an outstanding achievement which has earnt him a place on the GB Olympic Development Team.
Pte Sutton, in only his first season and first time on snow finished in the top 10% in the Biathlon relay, and 19th of 124 skiers in the Individual Classic. Pte Sutton gained first place in both disciplines in his category (Youth Novice) and has been put forward as a nomination to join the GB Olympic Development Team. It is almost certain he will gain a place.
1 MERC finished 4th in the Infantry Championships in Sweden and therefore gained one of five spots (six with a wildcard granted to the Infantry) to progress to the final stages of
the Nordic Season. However, due to CV19 the Divisional Championships in Serre Chavelier, France and Army
Championships in Ruhpolding, Germany were cancelled. We look ahead with promise to the 22/23 season, with
our hopes to podium at the Infantry Championships. Our future is bright within this sport.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE