Paul Smith’s College Athlete Earns Spot with US Biathlon Senior National Team

Midway, UT – Paul Smith’s College Biathlete Dolcie Tanguay recently traveled to Midway, Utah in October to compete against the top senior women’s biathletes in the United States at the Schutzenski Festival for US Biathlon.  The selection event, held at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, is used as a “tryout” of sorts for US Biathlon to rank and place biathletes on the various national and international cup teams, including the IBU Cup and senior Biathlon World Championships.

Tanguay had a solid weekend in her first competitive racing at the national team level, finishing in 8^th place on Day 1 and 12^th place on Day 2.  Those results were good enough to push her through to the IBU Cup team where she will compete against some of the best biathletes in the world. 

“I’m super excited to have the opportunity to race at the senior biathlon level representing the United States!” exclaimed Tanguay.  “I knew this goal was on the horizon but wasn’t sure if I would reach it this season.  The constant support from Paul Smith’s College over the last few years is the reason why I am still involved in the sport.  I’m so grateful for everyone that has helped me along the way!”

Tanguay will start in the 2^nd IBU Cup race of the season in Idre, Sweden December 8-10.  Based on her performances at that event, she could get additional starts in successive IBU Cups and even earn a spot on the USA Biathlon team for the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy.  This will be her first IBU Cup start after spending last season on the IBU Junior Cup circuit for the USA Junior Biathlon team. 

“Dolcie has worked so hard over the past four years, quietly and patiently putting in the work,” said PSC Nordic head coach Matt Dougherty.  “To see all that hard work pay off is an absolute testament to her tenacious work ethic.   It has been rewarding to watch her continue to develop as a biathlete, and getting this start at the IBU Cup is an amazing opportunity,” he added.

The Paul Smith’s College Nordic ski team has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, winning the 2022 USCSA Men’s National Championship and churning out top talent at the collegiate level.  This next step for the school and the Nordic ski program (having an athlete represent a senior national team) is monumental in continuing to showcase Paul Smith’s College as a premier four-year athletic institution, not only locally and regionally, but nationally. 

Dougherty continued, “For a college that just started a biathlon program four years ago to have an athlete reach the IBU Cup is tremendous.  Kudos to Dolcie and a huge thank you to everyone who helps make this happen.  It takes so much support for these athletes, and I am thankful for everyone who has helped us here at Paul Smiths College.” 

The December 8-10 Idre, Sweden IBU Cup event table and results can be found here: International Biathlon Union – Event calendar – Oestersund, Sweden (biathlonworld.com)

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