Q&A SCOTT GOW
QI read that your teammates call you Thor, because of your thighs, and that you can outsquat everyone on your team by about 50 pounds. Can you talk about the kind of work that goes into competing at this level?
AThe squatting is a genetics thing. I’ve just always been better at squatting than everyone for whatever reason. But we do have to put in a lot of work. We have a strength coach and we have a ski coach, and everyone has their pointers and ideas of what will make us better, even if it’s in some small way. We’re constantly spending time working out and working on all the little things. You hope they add up to something bigger.
QYou say it’s genetics. Can you out-squat your brother (teammate Christian Gow)?
AYes. 100 per cent. And he would admit that.
QHow do you find competing with your brother and spending that much time together?
AIt’s nice. We got into biathlon at the same time, and I’m two-and-a-half years older, so he’s always been two-and-a-halfyears behind. When I moved to the Canmore club, he was a year-and-a-half behind me. Then when I moved on to the national team he was again a year-anda-half, two years behind me. It is nice having him, because he’s basically a comfort from home. You have your brother on tour, you have that family member with you. And we do get along — we kinda have to.
QYou learned about biathlon at the Canada Olympics Park. How important is it, in your opinion, that the Olympics were held in Canada back in 1988 and the legacy facilities remain in place?
AIt’s brought us to where we are today, where at least in the Winter Olympics we’re one of the top medal contenders as a nation.