CHARLO, NEW BRUNSWICK—Ice Lake’s Mackenzie Turner gave it her all last week, representing Ontario at the 2014 Canadian Biathlon Championships in Charlo, New Brunswick, finishing in the top 25 in of all her races.
“The experience has been fantastic,” 15-year-old Mackenzie told The Expositor recently. “I’ve learned so much! My races went well and I still have one more. In the sprint race I placed 22nd, in pursuit I got 21st, the relay results haven’t been released yet and the individual race is tomorrow.”
Mackenzie arrived in Charlo at the Club Les Aventuriers, the host club of the championships, early last week along with over 160 athletes from across Canada.
“We are blessed to have at the heart of our community, cross-country skiing installations that are of national/international caliber,” states a press release from the club. “Our ideal snow conditions and impeccable trails are truly a winter wonderland. This national event will be receiving Canada’s best biathletes. This unique sport blends the athletic excellence of great cross-country skiers with the technical precision of elite shooters.”
Mackenzie’s first race was the senior girls 15/16 6 km sprint on Wednesday, March 12, in which she placed 22st with a time of 30.22.4.
Due to a snowstorm on Thursday, all the races were pushed back a day, moving her senior girls 15/16 7.5 km pursuit to Friday. Mackenzie finished 21st in the race with a time of 58.45.9.
Improving with each race, her 5 km relay team came in 14th place on Saturday with a combined time of 1.23.29.6. Other members of her team included Keegan Tremblay and Jasmin Tultksaari.
In her final race on Sunday, the senior girls 14/16 7.5 km individual, Mackenzie pushed herself, finishing in 17th place with a time of 53.31.5.
Overall, Mackenzie said the experience was very rewarding and that she enjoyed herself.
“I have made lots of new friends from other provinces,” she said. “This is the best experience ever!”
The Manitoulin Secondary School student first became interested in the sport a few years ago after seeing it on television. From there, she found the Walden Biathlon Club and began taking lessons. Growing up around guns, Mackenzie was already a strong shooter, but her club coach helped her develop into a strong skier, eventually earning her a spot on Team Ontario and a ticket to the Nationals earlier this year.
