Biathlon Jr. World Championships hosted in Midway

More than 30 countries competed in the Biathlon Jr. World Championships at Soldier Hollow. Photo: Michele Roepke

MIDWAY, Utah — The Soldier Hollow Nordic Center hosted the Biathlon Junior World Championships for the last 10 days for 330 athletes representing 33 nations. There were 16 biathletes from the United States, two from Northern Utah and one, Wes Campbell, from Park City.

Campbell, a senior at Park City High School, cross country skis for Park City Ski and Snowboard – Nordic (PCSS). “Overall, the Americans have had some pretty good success, some of the athletes are gonna want to work on their shooting just a little bit, but their skiing is really, really good and I’m just proud of them that they get to compete in this, the highest level event for these youth and junior athletes,” Campbell’s coach at PCSS, three-time Olympian Liz Stephen said.

Campbell’s age of 18 entered him into the event in the Youth category, however, by the end of the 10 days of racing, his performances impressed his Junior National Team coaches so much that they bumped him up to the Junior category for the signature race of the entire event, the Men’s 4×7.5 KM Relay. That particular podium ultimately held France, Italy, and Norway, respectively with Campbell’s team taking seventh. France’s Team raced a 1:14:57.8 and Team USA finished behind that time by 3:08.9.

“It’s been great to see all these kids get together from all around the world,” Campbell’s dad said. “There are lots of fist bumps after every finish. It’s wonderful to see the sportsmanship across all the competitors.”

Sidney Bennion was the other Utah athlete hailing from right there in Midway, she’s on Team Soldier Hollow. In her Women’s Youth 3×6 KM Relay, Bennion and her USA teammates finished in 11th place where first place went to Italy, second to Germany, and third to Bulgaria.

Zachary Hall, co-chair of the event organizing committee told me he thanks all the local volunteers who came out to help from Park City, Heber, and Midway area and added, “It’s been a fantastic event. The athletes are happy and we’re happy as organizers to have pulled off some really good racing.”