By Nicola Davies

Let's be honest: Cross Country skiing and Biathlon are some of the hardest sports out there. We train all year round (with a brief pause in April), and it is certainly not done without a lot of hard work and effort. So one might ask, "Why do you ski, it seems so hard!" and "When do you get time off??" The truth is, skiing is what I love, and I wouldn't give it up for anything. (Not even a little more time off...) However, this hasn't always been the way. It took time to realize how much this crazy sport means to me, but it truly is wonderful. So that is what I shall talk about: the point where skiing turns from an activity to a passion.

I was 14 when I realized my true passion. I had been having a great season; even with the asthma I had acquired, I was on the podium in almost every race. I found I was making sure I attended as many training sessions as possible, and tried to do everything in my power to make myself a better skier. Skiing went from being just something I do, to something I couldn't do without. I am so glad that I can call myself a skier, just the same as most of my ski pals.

Now, although I personally love biathlon, I understand it's not for everyone. A lot of my teammates stopped racing last year because they found something else. They didn't stick it out long enough to really get a chance to see all of the positives, and I can't help but think that they are missing out. Racing and training can be very demeaning and painful at times, but the overall picture is so worth it. Let's take a look at all the perks:

-Amazing Friends for Life!!!
-Incredible Coaches and Waxer's always willing to help!
-Brilliant travel opportunities; Nation AND world Wide
-Even more new friends from these travels
-A ripped body. I mean seriously, we train six days a week, how could we not be yoked???
-You can own dozens of buffs without feeling dumb
-You get to spend the majority of your time outdoors, and in beautiful settings!
-All that cold weather makes for some very hardcore peeps.
-Us biathletes have a license to LEGALLY operate Firearms. Heck yes!
-A large quantity of medals and ribbons to hang in your room and brag about
-The insane adventures we go on!! From hiking up to glaciers to intense games of capture the flag.
-And most importantly, the chance to gain many very important life skills. (Determination, patience, hard working etc)

So if you have the guts to continue with skiing, (if you have reached the turning point or not), this sport will do nothing but reward you. Keep skiing, Superstars!