Q&A CHRISTIAN GOW
Q Can you talk a little bit about the rigours of travel?
ATravelling as a biathlete is an added challenge, going with a rifle. You get to learn a lot about the customs of all the different countries that you go to. It is always a new experience and Korea was a lot different for us with our rifles. They have very different rules there regarding firearms.
Q What did you have to go through in Korea?
AIn Korea, I’m not sure they’re allowed gun ownership at all there. So for us, they take the guns right away and lock them away. Then they want to do all the transport and they also want to take your ammunition. It’s very ambiguous as to what’s happening and you’re not really sure where your rifle’s going to be. What ends up happening is we get to the venue and you have to go for a little walk to go to this building where they’re storing rifles under all this security. You have to check out your rifle and ammunition to shoot with and then bring it all back once you’re done your practice. They count your bullets to make sure that you’re not leaving with anything you’re not supposed to.
Q What’s it like to compete with your brother and coOlympian, Scott, on the road? Do you room together or hang out together?
AWe don’t always room together — sometimes, but not always. But, yeah, it’s really nice, it’s great having each other there. We’re great training partners. We train together, we work hard together, we have the same motivation and determination to do well. I think when anything is going well or not going well, we’re there for each other and supporting each other through it. It’s a really cool experience and really special. I don’t think my experience with the sport would be anything like it is if he wasn’t there with me.