Team BC captures silver and several top five finishes in biathlon

By Carolynn Boomer, Team BC Mission Staff

Local biathlete Emily Dickson (Prince George) skied another fast race to capture a silver medal in the women’s 7.5km sprints with a final time of 25.12.7 for 97 points.  Close behind her was Jennah Smailes (West Kelowna) in fifth with a time of 27:02.9.  In the men’s 10km sprints, Arthur Roots (Prince George) missed the podium by 16 seconds with a time of 27:09.6

Emily shot perfect in the prone position but had three penalty laps for the standing position.  “The first lap I felt solid and everything was coming together.  After the second shot I knew I had some work to do so I just focused and pushed the last lap.  I did what I could and brought home a silver,” said Dickson.

Other results for Team BC were Claire Lapointe (Prince George) in 12th, Tekarra Banser (West Kelowna) in 15th, Jarod Algra (Abbotsford) in 18th, Bobby Kreitz (Prince George) in 20th and Emile Vogel-Nakamura (Camrose) in 29th.

“Now that the nerves are gone it’s time to get down to business.  We scored big with three being in the top five and Emily making the podium.  She’ll have the full set soon,” said coach Glenn Rupertus, three time Olympian. “If the team keeps performing like they have been we are sure to capture great moments for biathlon both in podium performance and flag points!”

However, coach Rupertus also wants the athletes to enjoy their time here at the Games.  The team has a lucky loonie planted somewhere special and even has a group theme song.  “It’s all about the experience.”

See Canada Games live streaming at www.canadagamestv.ca and follow live updates on Twitter from @GoTeamBC with the hashtag #TBCBiathlon.