The best biathletes from across B.C. braved torrential downpours and intense winds on Mount Washington during the Odlum Brown Biathlon BC Championships which took place February 21 to 23.

鈥淗itting targets the size of a golf ball from 50 meters away in between laps of a hilly cross country ski course, is difficult enough let alone having to deal with heavy rain and gusty winds,鈥� said three-time Olympian Glenn Rupertus and Head Coach of the Vancouver Island Biathlon Club.

Local athletes and those visiting Vancouver Island from nine biathlon clubs across B.C. showed their toughness and resilience, but the real heroes of the weekend were the over 90 volunteers that braved the conditions to ensure the event could continue.

Biathlon is a sport that combines cross-country skiing with rifle marksmanship. Competitors must ski additional distances for each missed target, or receive a time-penalty, putting intense pressure on every shot. With practice, biathletes can lower their heart rate before each round of shooting. 

More information about the Vancouver Island Biathlon Club can be found at .