The top step of the podium was shared by a pair of siblings from Comox at the Vancouver Island Biathlon Club Championship, held on Sunday, March 30th at the biathlon facility on Mount Washington.
The Men’s Club Championship was an extremely close race from start to finish. It came down to the last round of shooting and after a nail-biting last ski lap, Tobin Kerr (age 15) finished just 17.8 seconds ahead of three-time Olympian, and club Head Coach, Glenn Rupertus from Courtenay.
After the race Kerr said he was “really thankful to have a coach like Glenn. He has so much experience to share and has really encouraged me to become a better biathlete.”
The Women’s Club Championship was won by Gwen Kerr (age 16) who finished ahead of her friend and teammate Nadia Sonnenburg from Campbell River. Over the past two seasons, Kerr and Sonnenburg have also been co-coaching a “biathlon bears” program for younger athletes aged 9 to 13.
“I was really happy to share this win with my brother,” said Gwen. “He’s the main reason I decided to race again this season.”
Gwen and Tobin both won Gold medals at the Biathlon BC Championships held on Mount Washington in February and the siblings previously represented Vancouver Island at the BC Winter Games in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Tobin also represented British Columbia at the Biathlon Canada Nationals event last month in Valcartier, Quebec.
The Club Championship was held just prior to the end-of-season relay races for all club members. Prizes were awarded for best costumes and team spirit.
Biathlon is a sport that combines cross-country skiing with rifle marksmanship. More information about the Vancouver Island Biathlon Club, including summer and winter programs, can be found at vibiathlon.ca.
