Three biathletes from the 708 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron recently travelled to Valcartier, Que., to compete in the 2013 National Cadet Biathlon Championships.
Flight-Sgt. Sabrina Muise, Flight-Cpl. Jesse Byrne and Flight-Cpl. Rita Jane St. Croix earned their place at the nationals after earning top spots at a provincial meet.
The national competition consisted of four separate races – mass start, pursuit, relay, and patrol.
Although the competition was tough, the local cadets continued to succeed.
Flight-Cpl. Byrne won two silver medals, one of which was an individual (mass start) medal and the other team patrol race.
Flight-Sgt. Muise and Flight-Cpl. St. Croix had top-10 finishes, with Flight-Sgt. Muise shooting a personal best of 12/20 in the mass start race, and Flight-Cpl. St. Croix skiing personal bests in each race.
There was also a cultural activities, opening and closing ceremonies, and a leaving dance. Cadets went tubing at Villages Vacances, and also participated in a night of competitive team games.
Separating the two individual races from the two team games, biathletes were given a day of Quebec culture, and shopping in Old Quebec City. They visited the Sugar Shack to view taxidermy of Canadian animals, experience traditional music and dancing, and also taste Quebec’s well-known snow maple syrup treat.
“Overall, the competition was harder, the targets were smaller, and the amount of distractions greater,” said Dave Johnston, the local squadron’s commanding officer. “Their conscientiousness, dedication, and determination evolved to become an experience very rewarding and unforgettable.”
