CANMORE – Canmore biathlete Aidan Millar’s season started with new motivation: make it or break it.
Now more than half way through the year, the 23-year-old’s last shot at staying competitive has been nothing short of a bull’s eye.
The world cup rookie placed a career best 20th in the men’s sprint on Friday (Feb. 15) at Solider Hollow, Utah, after being brought up to the elite circuit in January.
With consistent and impressive results on the IBU Cup, the world cup’s feeder circuit, Millar got a hunch he’d get his first call up following the retirement this season of Canadian biathlon greats Nathan Smith and Brendan Green.
“I’m trying to enjoy every moment,” Millar said. “It’s such a bonus. I was thinking I’d be racing in the IBU Cup this season … hopefully I’m on the world cup circuit for years to come.”
Millar was able to race in the world cup in front of family and friends during the chilly Canmore World Cup earlier in February, which he called an amazing experience.
“I didn’t think I would make it to Canmore this year and it was everything I could have hoped for.”
Millar loves every minute of the elite circuit competition, but he doesn’t want to take anything he’s achieved for granted.
At one point, Millar’s biathlon career was nearly a pipedream following years of “bumps in the road” that pushed him off course.
Since Millar’s teenage days, he’s suffered multiple concussions in other sports and activities.
“For three years straight, I had a concussion each year and questioned whether it was safe and worth to keep going for long term health,” the Canmorite said.
According to the Government of Canada, concussions are a common injury. Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of death, hospitalization, and disability among Canadians and of these, concussions are among the most common.
Last spring, Millar spoke to Team RAD coach Rachel Koroscil about the upcoming season’s goals. He had a string of results not up to his standards and needed a fresh plan.
The 2018-19 season ultimately became an all-in type year, Millar said.
“For me, I do this sport because I love it,” Millar said. “I get up in the morning to be among the best in the world … that’s kind of where I’d like to see myself, competing week in and week out on the world cup and at the top of the result sheet.
“I was confident in the training plan, and so far it’s worked out really well. It’s not as much pressure. I got in with the mindset that I’ve done all I can and put out my best effort.”
Millar is now under the wing of Matthias Ahrens, Biathlon Canada head coach, and alongside teammates Jules Burnotte, Scott Gow and Christian Gow.
“Aidan has already shown promising performances at the junior world championships three years ago,” Ahrens said. “This year, he’s back, and showing good skiing and his shooting is improving as we speak.
“To represent on the world cup, young athletes like Aidan and Jules, they’re still pretty raw… In general, those athletes are so determined and wanting to get the highest level and that’s what’s needed.”
