During my in Arber Germany I had the chance to experience different cultures, training styles, and new ways to cope with before and after races. The International Biathlon Union (IBU) required 4 athletes from each chosen country to participate in the camp to develop as athletes, and I was lucky enough to be chosen to take part in the camp. The countries varied from places like Estonian all the way to Brazil, and Chile. This have the camp an amazing atmosphere where during the evenings people could share there different cultures even if there was a language barrier.
The coaches that the IBU provided where highly skilled and knowledgeable with there teachings as well as bringing a positive attitude towards the sessions. The coaches also varied in nationalities which gave for a wider range of coaching styles that the athletes can use to develop there own skills and techniques. Having a coach that you can talk to and rely on also makes a massive difference to how you as an athlete train and compete, and this is what made these coaches stand out from other coaches. From my experience when I didn’t get something correct the first time they didn’t give negative feedback but instead they said how we could improve the exercise or find a new drill that could give the same benefit as the other, and this is what made them perfect for this camp helping undeveloped counties who might not have the services or opportunities to grow as athletes.
In the evenings all the countries gathered together to have evening meetings to showcase was to develop as athletes. An example would be that one of the nights we had a highly skilled coach come to talk to us about what makes a good athlete and how to prepare for races. And what he said was to “have a simple plan” this plan would include your warm up what you eat and what time you do things ether day before race day, or on race day. Additionally he also told us to write down a “what if list” to get ride of race day nerves as this is “wasted energy”. I found this the most useful out of all the meeting that took place during the camp because it helped me to change the way I view competing in races making me more efficient.
Finally at the end of the week we had a mixed relay where you have to shoot 5 shots prone and 5 shots stand and where the total circuit was a distance of 5km. This race I felt like I was most efficient with both shooting and skiing due to the fact that I put into practice what I had learnt during that week to the best of my ability.
In conclusion the Jack Bloor Memorial Fund has helped me to be able to travel to this amazing place with the best facilities and coaches to help make we the best version of myself.
Once again I would like to send a massive thank you to the Jack Bloor Memorial Fund.
Jack Bloor Race & Fund 