(1/14/10) -- Sgt. Jeremy Teela of the Vermont National Guard has been named to the five-man Olympic biathlon team, the U.S. Biathlon Association's International Competition Committee announced Jan. 10.
The committee conducted a final review of results from the IBU Cup races in Altenberg, Germany, and as a result, the U.S Biathlon Association (USBA) forwarded its list of athletes to the United States Olympic Committee.
Staff Sgt. Sarah Lehto, who works with the USBA in coaching, designing selection criteria and ultimately selecting athletes for the U.S. Olympic Biathlon teams, said Teela prequalified for the team with a top 30-place finish in the World Cup event held in Pokljuka, Slovenia in December.
He was also the bronze medal winner in the men’s individual race in the Vancouver World Cup event last season.
“This, along with his recent improvement in World Cup performances and results, should give him good confidence leading into the Olympic Games,” Lehto said.
U.S. Biathlon has placed much emphasis on relay training this season, and the team has a serious chance to medal in this category, she said.
As one of the most experienced athletes on the team, Teela has always been counted as the anchorman. “(He) never fails to come through with a great effort in this team event,” Lehto said. “And he is looking forward to doing the same in Vancouver.”
The 2010 U.S. Olympic Team roster includes Overall World Cup leader Tim Burke, Jay Hakkinen, Jeremy Teela, Lowell Bailey and Wynn Roberts. Hakkinen will compete in his fourth Olympics, while Teela will be in his third; Burke and Bailey competed in Torino, and Roberts is a first-timer.
“This talented team has worked together for years and while each member will be trying their best for individual results, they will also be supporting each other and celebrating each and every result collectively,” Lehto said.
Army Maj. Andy Parsons, the National Guard biathlon coordinator, said the National Guard Biathlon program has placed Airmen and Soldier athletes on every U.S. Olympic winter team since the 1988 Games in Calgary.
“Sergeant Teela’s progression, along with that of teammate and current number one ranked biathlete in the world Tim Burke, means that the U.S. has its best chance ever to earn an Olympic medal," he said.
The first men’s biathlon event in the upcoming Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada will be held on Feb. 14.
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