Steamboat biathletes take trio of podiums in State Championship Sprint

Steamboat biathletes take trio of podiums in State Championship Sprint
Three Steamboat Springs biathletes who train with the Colorado Biathlon Club traveled to Granby over the weekend for the Colorado Biathlon Club State Championship Sprint.
The trio returned home with three medals including two golds after competing on exceptional snow conditions Saturday.

Luke Hodge, competing in the U15 boys division, took home the gold with an impressive performance, only missing one target in each of his two prone shooting bouts on the 4.5-kilometer course. His precise shooting and fast-paced skiing allowed him to secure the top spot.

In the U15 girls division, Annika Wiedel took the silver medal after a tight battle for first place. She fell behind with three missed shots in the opening bout, but skied back into contention and only missed one target in the second.

Ultimately, Wiedel fell just short of the crown, crossing the finish line just 16 seconds behind the leader.

Charlie Wiedel, 15, was among the youngest competitors in the men’s open division, claiming the top prize by over four minutes. The 10-kilometer course had two shooting bouts, one prone and one standing. Charlie missed just one target in each.

His speed on the snow kept him well ahead of any opponent, making him a state champion.

The Wiedel Family/Courtesy Photo

Annika Wiedel takes shots during a prone shooting bout at the Colorado Biathlon Club State Championship Sprint on Saturday in Granby. She placed second in the U15 girls division.

The Wiedel Family/Courtesy Photo

Charlie Wiedel takes shots during a prone shooting bout at the Colorado Biathlon Club State Championship Sprint on Saturday in Granby. He took home the gold medal in the men’s open division.