BBU Talent Search

  • Next Biathlon Superstar
  • What is Biathlon?
  • Selection Process
  • Athlete Testimonials
  • How To Get Involved
  • Stories


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Click to Watch the BBU Talent ID Q&A Recording 

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 Talent ID process is a five phase selection process.

The BBU will host a biathlon try-out day on the 11th and 12th of June which successful applicants will be invited to. The day will consist of a series of physical tests including trying out rollersking, a sprint on a Ski-Erg and a running test.

Those with rapid skill aquisition who set the quickest times in your age catagory will be invited to the next phase of selection – a training camp in Wales.

Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 4
Phase 5
Phase 1

Fill out Talent ID Questionnaire here.  

Deadline: 07/06/2022

Phase 2

Successful applicants will be invited to the biathlon tryout on the 11th of June – Staurport – consisting of Rollerskiing, Erg Machine Tests, a Running Test and laser biathlon

Phase 3

Approximately 40 athletes will be invited to a Rollerski Camp in Wales at the end of July.

Phase 4

All 40 athletes will be invited to a rollerski race on the 6th August in Fife, Scotland. The results from this race will determine who is invited onto the next training camp in the Cairngorms, Aviemore, thus constituting the Talent ID Summer team (Up to 21 athletes).

Phase 5

The final selection will be made for the winter snow camps in October 2022 (between 8 and 21 athletes). All athletes who fall short of the standards at any point along the way may train hard and attend the British Champonships in Ruhpolding, Germany, to be considered for the Development Team – which will be selected from these results.

BBU’s 2021 Talent ID Athlete Testimonials

https://youtu.be/2miPg_EJbV4https://youtu.be/OBVzIe12JH0
“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
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How To Get Involved!

All you need to do to begin your Biathlon adventure simply click submit application: 


submit application

The Biathlon trials will begin on the 11th of June at Stourport Sports Club – details to be sent by email closer to event with timings and details. To be considered, athletes must be:

  • Between 14 and 20 years old
  • A UK citizen
  • Hungry to represent Team GB whether at; the Olympic Games and/or Youth Olympic Games, and, for the British Team at events such as the Youth/Junior/Senior World Championships, European Championships and Open University Games
  • Prepared to travel around the world on snowy training camps
  • Physically and mentally tough and ready for the challenge of a lifetime

Some stories from the BBU’s 2021 Talent ID Campaign

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

https://youtu.be/lKN_whU5Rv0https://youtu.be/-fPtPpCyM9khttps://youtu.be/Hr-xp12CcyAFrom 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.

https://youtu.be/E7KE364rs5whttps://youtu.be/Db4OJEP_z64