Icy Track and Sky Fire…A Biathlon for Everyone in Schliersee
At sunset on an unseasonably warm February evening groups of biathlon enthusiasts were invited by the Ski Club Schliersee to join in a charity event. Located on the Seefestwiese near Vitalwelt, a special cross country track had been installed this winter season to create a buzz about the much beloved sport.
Participants of the event donated 5 euros or even higher to join in the fun and all proceeds were put towards the new TSV Fußball Sportheim (Schliersee Soccer club building). The atmosphere was jovial and warm drink filled mugs were raised in jubilation. After several warm up runs around the track and only just as the fiery sunset evolved into darkness did the announcer start to announce the competitors.
If you, like me, are new to the sport of Biathlon, it combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. It is treated as a race where the contestant with the shortest total time wins. Depending on the competition, missed shots result in extra distance or time being added to the contestant’s total. I found this interesting tidbit online, the biathlon “is rooted in the skiing traditions of Scandinavia, where early inhabitants revered the Norse god Ullr as both the ski god and the hunting god”. I truly believe associating this sport and gods is only appropriate as the athletes who perform this sport have to have exceptional fitness.
A great time was had by people of all ages. This particular biathlon was to give everyone a chance to join in the fun and take a lap around the track or to attempt to fire the laser rifle at the target. The joyful cheering filled the night. When you visit Schliersee you really have to keep an eye out for these small events and expos of different local sports. Many times one of our resident Olympiads make an appearance. The love of movement keeps the population here young and enjoying every season. It is this love of sport that makes Schliersee a real fountain of youth.
To learn more about Ski Club Schliersee events, check the link below.
American artist, photographer and professional wanderer who, after 20 years of roaming, put down roots in a 100 year old Bavarian farmhouse and fell in love with the Alpine village and its residents (both 2-legged and 4-legged).