Bow Valley dominated the biathlon range at the Canada Winter Games, as Team Alberta swept the podium in the men’s 15 km individual race, led by flag bearer Scott Gow.
Considered the top junior biathlete in the country, Gow defeated Canmore’s Stuart Harden and younger brother Christian Gow to take the gold medal.
“It was overall really good. I wasn’t too tired from the travel and the conditions were nice. It wasn’t too cold and the tracks were solid,” Gow said, having just finished competing at the world junior championships in the Czech Republic.
“And it’s good to know I can still beat my brother.”
As the flag bearer and top ranked Canadian biathlete at the games, Gow had a target on his back going into the race. However he lived up to the advance billing, stopping the clock at 40:33.9. Sixteen-year-old Harden only missed one shot to finish with a time of 42:16, while the 17-year-old Gow finished with a time of 43:29.
“I’m definitely happy the first race is over. Now I can relax a little bit,” said the elder Gow, who flew directly to Halifax from the world junior biathlon championships to participate in the Canada Winter Games.
He turned down a spot on an IBU cup tour to take part in the games.
“I really wanted to go to the Canada Games. I’ve only heard good things about it,” he said.
Gow is trying to stay focused on his remaining races, but can’t help but look ahead to the relay, which is scheduled for February 18.
“Our expectations are to be first,” he said.
Gow posted a ninth place finish at the world juniors, as he achieved his personal goal for the event.
“My big goal was to be in the top 10 at the world juniors, and it was nice to be ninth,” he said.
He praised his younger brother’s effort, noting the gap is dropping between the two. It’s the first time the two have raced against each other in a major competition.
“Now he’s catching up.”
Harden shot 19 for 20 to take the silver medal. Attention to detail has helped him, he said, and he’s riding a high following strong results at the world juniors.
Plus, he’s enjoying being part of the games.
“The energy is really incredible. The city is really alive,” Harden said.
Looking ahead, Harden said he wants to earn a spot on the relay team and improve as an athlete.
“My goal is to improve my ski speed, maintain good shooting, get another podium and make the relay,” Harden said.
The younger Gow had a bout of nerves on his round of shooting, but quickly calmed down and had the second fastest ski time of the day.
“I’ve never raced a 15-km race before. The pace felt really fast the whole time, so that was amazing,” he said.
He was disappointed with his showing at the world juniors, and felt he had something to prove in Halifax.
“I wanted to race to my potential and show what I am capable of,” the younger brother said.
He’s also motivated to take part in the relay with his brother. The team hasn’t been chosen yet, but he started out his week skiing well.
“We’ve raced maybe once before, but this is the first big race,” he said.
Being at the top does present more challenges, he said.
“It’s added pressure, going in knowing friends and family are expecting you to perform a certain way. It also gives more incentive to race to my absolute best,” he said.
However he’s still enjoying the experience.
“It’s really neat. I’ve never been in this big of a deal – it’s so well organized and a competitive atmosphere – you can’t take any breaks racing against the best in the country,” he said.
The biathlete relay takes place on Friday, Feb. 18.
In other Canada Winter Game results, Canmore’s Emma Lunder was seventh in the 12.5 km race (47:29.6), while Emma Lodge was ninth (49:23.3) in the women’s biathlon race.
Speed skater Marika Nadal finished 12th in the 500 m race and 17th in the 1500 m race.
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