BBU Talent Search

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Application closing date: 05/06/2022

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Could you be GB’s next biathlon sensation?

The British Biathlon Union (BBU) is on a search for athletes between the age of 14 and 20 who have experience competing in sports such as running, swimming, cycling, triathlon, rugby and football. These athletes must be physically fit, willing to push through mental barriers and have a hunger to travel the world to represent Team GB at an Olympic Games.

What is Biathlon?

Biathlon is an Olympic Winter sport that combines the power and aggression of cross country skiing with the precision and calm of marksmanship. It’s commonly perceived to be one one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports.

What/when is the selection process?

The BBU will host biathlon assessment days on 26 October 2025 and 19 April 2026.

The British Biathlon talent identification process has evolved to evaluate athletes
for innate abilities necessary for developing prospective international biathletes.

The following three elements are considered integral for a biathlete:
Physical fitness
Sports-related balance
Accuracy in marksmanship.

Those who achieve the required standards will be invited to attend various training and racing camps over the following months. The initial camps are scheduled for the dates outlined in Phase 2 of the 2025–27 Talent ID Campaign. Phase 3 will consist of a series of longer, more intense, developmental camps, culminating in competing at the British Championships in Germany.


Phase 1
Talent Assessment Days: 

26 October 2025: Gravesend Cyclopark
19 April 2026: Stourport Cycle Circuit


Phase 2
Biathlopett training weekends:

16–17 May: Swindon Moredon Sporting Hub
19–22 June: Leeds Brownlee Centre
24–27 July: Fife Cycle Park


Phase 3
Training camps:

8–15 August: Pembry Cycle Park
24 October to 1 November: British Summer Champs and Snow Tunnel (London and Oberhof, Germany).
14–21 December: full snow camp in Scandinavia
The last week of January or the first week of February 2027, exact dates TBC: British Championships in Ruhpolding, Germany.

BBU’s 2021 Talent ID Athlete Testimonials

“Get ready for the hardest sport you’ve ever done, but it’s a really rewarding experience.”
Matt Chronicle
“It’s so cool to be able to go to so many different places and meet so many new people.”
Zara Stewart

Testimonials

“A journey to remember.
And it’s not over yet. Not even close.”

From the Northern Lights in Norway to the other side of the Atlantic in Canada, our 2021 Talent ID athletes have seen it all.
"100% give it a go. Like, it’s so different. It’s so cool! Just do it!"
Zara Stewart
“I love it. It’s a very different sport, but it’s definitely one of the best sports out there. It’s really helped me gain a better percption of the world.”
Will D'Arcy
The training camps began in the UK where the athletes learned to rollerski (the summer version of cross-country skiing). Once the core skills were developed, it was time to go to Norway where there was snow underfoot, and the Northern Lights over head.
“If you’re lucky enough to have the opportunity, then 100% just do it.”
Elena Roncarati
“The training’s really rewarding. I just love the feeling of the skiing and enjoying the mountians.”
Matt Chronicle

The Talent ID team then travelled to Ruhpolding, Germany, for their next international adventure where they trained and competed against German cross country skiiers. The results from this competition saw our British Biathletes walk away with multiple podiums! 

“At first I wasn’t really thinking about it, but then my mum showed me an ad on twitter, and she signed me up and ever since then I just got further and further and enjoyed it more and more.”
Ollie Hill

It wasn’t long before Canada was calling and the team jetted off to train in Prince George during the Canadian National Championships.

"Ethan applied to take part in the Talent ID Campaign in May 2021 and fortunately was successful.  We thought he was an active and healthy 16 year old, but 1 1/2 years later his fitness and determination to improve has impressed his family, friends and college.  He has travelled to so many parts of the world already with his team and made many new friends along the way, not only within the BBU but with other competing nations.  The coaching staff provide amazing training and support whilst Ethan is away.  We are still learning about Biathlon, but had the opportunity to see Ethan compete in his first GB Race at the IBU Junior Cup in Martell, Italy in December 2022 which was a fantastic experience."
Parent Quote 01
“Zara’s journey has been incredible.  Never did we think an advert on Social Media would change her life! She has had an unbelievable experience that has gone beyond all our expectations!  Hard work, self belief, dedication and resilience, combined with sheer determination has enabled Zara to travel the world (to places she would never have been!) She has competed on an international stage in the toughest of sports (of which she had no experience) proving to us and her - if you are prepared to work hard and with the backing of the BBU, you really can achieve your dreams.  Throughout her training she carried on her studies at Uni and graduated with a 2:1 honours degree in the summer.  We never thought our daughter would end up in Kazakhstan at the Junior World Biathlon Championships, 18 months after answering the BBU’s social media advert!  We are so proud of her - thank you BBU for giving her this opportunity- you’ve been amazing- long may this adventure continue!”
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