BBU Talent Search
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 a biathlon try-out day on the 14th of May.
The day will consist of a series of physical tests including trying out rollerskiing and laser biathlon shoting, a sprint on a Ski-Erg, and a running test. Those with rapid skill acquisition who set the quickest times in your age category will be invited to train on the next training camp in the UK – 10 -18 June 2023. Those who have progressed sufficiently after the UK camp will be invited to the remaining camps in Europe, three of which will be snow skiing camps.
5 – 13 August 2023 – Romania
8 – 22 October 2023 – Germany
18 -26 November 2023 – Austria
- – 24 December – Norway
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
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How To Get Involved!
All you need to do to begin your Biathlon adventure simply click submit application:
The Biathlon trials will begin on the 14th of May 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
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.
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.
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!
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."
“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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