A Year of Adventure - Cheresa Bouley

This past year has been a bit crazy—the good kind of crazy.

 

It all started with trials. I missed the October trials after a rough shooting day, and I knew I didn’t have enough to make up for it. But I got a second chance in December. That round brought two mediocre days and one strong finish. I ended up seventh overall, but to guarantee a spot on the IBU team, I needed to be in the top three. The standings were close, but I figured that was it. Disappointed but determined, I pivoted. I made plans to focus on ski racing and signed up for the Birkie, ready to use the season to build speed and grow as a skier. Then, three days later, I got a call. Someone on the IBU team got sick and gave up their spot—and they offered it to me. I was completely shocked. Of course, I said yes. The plan was for me to race one IBU Cup weekend and then do a regional race in Germany before heading home. Instead, I qualified for the pursuit. They asked me to stay another week. Then another. And before I knew it, I was in for the rest of the year—racing both the second and third trimesters of the IBU Cup. Honestly, I did not see that one coming! It turned into a truly amazing year, filled with tough competition and meaningful team bonding. Racing on the IBU Cup is always humbling—those European athletes are incredible.

 

 

 

After a short break in April, I jumped back into training at home, then headed to Lake Placid for a camp. We did VO₂ max testing, bio-mechanical analysis, treadmill work—the whole deal. It was challenging and fun... aside from the part at the end where I gave myself a minor concussion (oops). Thankfully, it was mild, and after some rest, I was able to return to training pretty quickly.

 

In June, I went to Utah and trained with an awesome group of athletes. It was fun, productive, and inspiring to work with such a strong crew. I was there for most of July. And then there was summer nationals. And boy, did that bring on some adventure too.

 

 

The first day was a sprint. I went out fast, setting a good pace, but my shooting wasn’t the best. I missed a total of four shots, with slow range times, and landed 8th among the Americans. A solid effort, but not the result I had hoped for. Still, it was a fun experience and another chance to learn.

 

 

The next day brought even more drama. I hadn’t checked the updated schedule—only the original one—so I missed that they had switched the women’s race time earlier. I was calmly getting into race mode when someone asked me why I wasn’t on the start line. I shrugged, saying, “I don’t race until 10.” Then I looked down the hill at the lineup and froze: Wait… are those women?! Cue mad dash. I scrambled down to the start, threw on my equipment, and realized—I’d already missed it. The race was gone.

 

So, I told myself, This is just going to be a great workout. Focus on technique, focus on process. I started 2 minutes and 16 seconds behind the field, with no pressure and everything to gain. Shot clean, skied strong, picked people off one by one. By the finish, I had worked my way up to 8th overall among the Americans. Honestly? It turned into one of the most fun races I’ve ever done. It was humbling, but also a reminder not to take myself too seriously. You’ve got to laugh at yourself sometimes.

 

 

Next up: the first round of Olympic Trials in Utah, September 30th–October 4th. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for that week.

 

As always, I thank God for the opportunities I’ve had, and for my family, friends, and coaches who make all this possible.

I also thank my donors who make this adventure possible. They are the reason I can do what I do. And honestly—I need more financial support! If you would like to help, you can donate to Minnesota Biathlon and put “Cheresa Training Grant” in the memo.

 

And of course—thank you, Finn Sisu!

—Cheresa

 

Photo Credit: Summer pictures- Lynda Bouley

Winter Pictures: Nordic Focus