A first-time biathlon competitor from Surrey was golden during a recent event in Whistler.
Sergeant Allison Kelly-Dejesus, 17, won in the Cadet Female Youth category and also the Top Shot Award at the Vancouver Coastal & Fraser River competition at Whistler Olympic Park.
She’s a cadet with 767 Dearman Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron (767dearman.com).
“It’s my first year participating in biathlon,” Kelly-Dejesus said. “Cross-country skiing is new to me even though I have gone downhill skiing before. The hardest part is getting back up after falling, especially on a hill. But, if you just keep going, you will feel a sense of satisfaction when you get to the top.”
Kelly-Dejesus was among more than 60 cadets who competed in hopes of earning a spot at the B.C. provincial cadet biathlon competition in Comox in February.
The cadet program “aims to develop in youth ages 12-18 the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, promote physical fitness and stimulate an interest in the sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces.”
