From Heathfield to the Biathlon courses of Europe. Jack White’s snowsport journey

Ever wondered how athletes get hooked by snowsports

With the Winter Olympics well underway, people often wonder how GB Athletes, who rarely live with easy access to snow, are able to get into serious snowsports. Usually it’s a story of passion underpinned by grit and sheer determination against all odds.

One young GB Biathlete, Jack White, a former pupil of Heathfield Community College and Bede’s can regularly be spotted training on a stretch of East Sussex seafront at Eastbourne. For UK training, rollerskiing on tarmac is used to imitate the skiing technique. The sight of him polling down on rubber wheels can still stop passers-by in their tracks. For Jack, the seafront promenade and local cyclepath between Polegate and Lewes provide smooth surfaces and solid training ground for international sporting ambition. With hills, corners and long flats that has carried him from the Sussex to Scandinavia and Central Europe.

Biathlon, one of Europe’s most demanding snowsports

Now competing in the development section of the Under-21 Men for Biathlon Team GB, the East Sussex athlete is part of a small but growing band of British athletes taking on one of Europe’s most demanding winter sports.  Biathlon is one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports. It combines the power and aggression of cross-country skiing with the precision and calmness of marksmanship.

Jack’s journey started in 2018 when visiting Norway but took a leap in 2023, when he completed the legendary Engadin Ski Marathon. The 42-kilometre race across the frozen lakes and valleys of Switzerland. 

“It was such a thrilling experience, racing with over 14,000 participants from 65 nations,” he says. “I wanted more of that feeling.”

Soon after the Ski Marathon he spotted a talent-intake advert for British Biathlon. After attending a talent selection day and being accepted, the hard work and training began.

Developing marksman accuracy skills

Biathlon’s other essential skill is shooting with missed shots leading to time penalties. Jack trains his accuracy on targets as a member of Eastbourne Rifle Club. He recently won the Horrill Trophy for East Sussex. Hours on the range translate directly to competition, where steady breathing, focus and precision can decide a race as much as skiing speed.

This winter season has seen Jack competing on snow in Norway, Germany and Austria, soaking up the unique atmosphere of European Biathlon. He won’t be competing in this year’s Winter Olympics but, he will be there to cheer on GB Biathlon teammates – Shawna Pendry and Jacques Jefferies.

Get a taste for Biathlon at the BBU Talent ID Day on 19 April

Biathlon remains one of the least understood snowsports in the UK. Yet its appeal is broad. Testing endurance, technique, mental strength and composure under pressure. For anyone inspired, opportunities exist closer to home than you might think.

Selection days with the British Biathlon Union (BBU) take place in April. You can apply now. The team is looking for those willing to push themselves aged 14-20 and experienced in competitive sport such as cycling, triathlon, running or with a background in snowsports. A hunger to travel the world and represent Team GB in the Biathlon Regional, Junior and World cup or potentially Olympic Games is essential.

Click on the link to find out more about Biathlon and how you can sign up for the Talent ID in April. https://www.britishbiathlon.com/bbu-talent-search/