Prince George’s Sarah Beaudry is happy to be back doing what she loves.
The 26-year-old began the women’s World Cup Biathlon season in Finland over the weekend where she placed 70th out of 102 racers in the 15 km individual event along with an 80th place showing out of 104 competitors in the 7.5 km sprint.
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In an exclusive interview with MyPGNow.com, Beaudry said there are some positives to build off of.
“Obviously it was not the results or placings I was hoping for to start to the season but there were some good takeaways, I am feeling pretty good on my ski’s, which is a good positive since last year I struggled with ski feet.”
“Both days I struggled with my shooting, which really didn’t help me in the results but that is definitely something that can be fixed.”
Despite the fact, this was her first competition since March, the Duchess Park graduate was happy to see the season begin on time.
“Luckily, for us being a winter sport, we were able to start on time, but it’s nice to finally be back. Obviously, there are a lot of special precautions in place but when we are out racing it feels so much like things are normal in a sense.”
Speaking of the pandemic, Beaudry, like the rest of her Team Canada teammates and competitors, must follow a strict set of COVID-19 guidelines at all times.
“We are always wearing a mask unless you are in your hotel room or eating or exercising and then there is really quite a good testing set up, athletes, coaches and techs have to get tested every four or five days since before we left Canada and since I started this season, I have already been tested four times.”
Beaudry has set some lofty goals for the upcoming year, setting her sights on some near-podium finishes.
“I am definitely hoping to crack the top ten this year as I would say that is a big goal of mine and obviously you never know what can happen. In a situation like the pandemic, I am enjoying every race that I do get to race in.”
While the 26-year-old may be across the pond, she is keeping a close eye on how the winter season is shaping up back home.
“I’m really jealous of all the snow you guys have (Prince George). Here in Finland, we are sking on a loop of site snow and my parents are showing me all of these beautiful pictures of Otway and snow-covered trees with all of the trails open. I guess I would tell people to go out and enjoy Otway I guess.”
Beaudry will be competing in Finland again starting on Thursday before heading off to Austria.