Two GRP Biathletes named to Sochi Olympic Team

Hannah and parents, Judy Geer and Dick Dreissigacker at 2013 World Champs - Chelsea Little photo.

Last Updated: 13.Jan.2014

Following a week of strong showings on the IBU Cup circuit Hannah Dreissigacker was named to the 2014 US Biathlon Olympic Team, joining GRP teammate Susan Dunklee (pre-qualified on the basis of 2012-13 World Cup results). Dreissigacker came through time after time in the four races from Riduan, Italy - the quartet of races providing the basis for the final Olympic selection. Two spots were sure to go to the best finishers from the four Americans competing in Riduan, with a possible third spot available on the basis of the strong showing of US athletes in biathlon recently.

Dreissigacker led the American women in the 7.5k Sprint event last Saturday, the 5th, with a 15th place on only 1 miss. She followed that the next day with a 13th place, second American by 14 seconds to Sara Studebaker, 1:21 off the winning pace. This past weekend, she sealed her selection by leading the Americans in 10th place overall in the 15k Women's individual race (2 misses) on Saturday, 11 January - enough to assure her slot, despite an off day on the range in the final 7.5k sprint on Sunday. Yesterday, Hannah used a strong ski time to salvage the standing of third American, 36th overall, 2:07 back.

Dunklee and Dreissigacker have been teammates in one form or another since the early 90s:  first as skiers for the Craftsbury Nordic Ski Club, through their college years at Dartmouth, on the Green Racing Project and now on their first Olympic team for either athlete. While not official, per stated selection criteria, the women should be joined by GRP teammate Ida Sargent as a Nordic ski competitor as well on the basis of her World Cup Sprint points.

Congratulations to all the 2014 GRP Olympians! Can't wait to watch you in Sochi!