Quesnel biathlete Ryan Elden has won two medals for B.C. at the Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Alberta, this week.
On Tuesday (Feb. 19), Elden claimed gold in the 10 kilometre pursuit competition, besting 37 of the finest young biathletes in the country to finish with a time of 27:14.
“It’s pretty awesome,” he says.
“I wasn’t expecting to finish first, but I knew I had it in me if I put things together.”
Elden has had success in the event in the past, winning the silver medal at the Canadian Championships last year.
“It’s one of my favourite races,” he says.
“I was just having a lot of fun. It’s more of a head-to-head race, so first to cross the line, which I like.
“When I’m shooting beside someone I’m like, ‘I’m going to shoot better and then I’m going to ski faster than him.’”
With the help of his team, Elden also won a bronze medal in the 3 x 7.5 km relay on Wednesday (Feb. 20.). The squad fell just behind Quebec (1st) and Alberta 2nd) thanks to a spot of bad luck on the course.
While racing in the anchor position, Elden had a crash on his first lap and ended up having to use the team’s spare rifle, as his was jammed with snow.
“I wish I could’ve been in the fight for silver or gold, but that’s how it goes,” he says.
Elden is enjoying the hoop-la around the event itself.
“It’s really cool having all the different sports and so many people everywhere all the time.
“It seems really official and professional.”
As of press time, Elden had yet to compete in the 12.5 km individual race.
READ MORE: Ryan Elden looks to win medal for Team B.C. at Canada Winter Games
sports@quesnelobserver.com
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