This past weekend, Kocher had her best results so far, taking 18^th in the 7.5K Sprint with one penalty and following up with 20^th in the Pursuit.

Imrie finished 55^th in the Sprint with two penalties. She led off the Canadian Women’s Relay with Coach Geret Coyne commenting, “Even though she used some spare rounds, Megan did a good job for us today.”

The Canadian Team will skip the first e.on Ruhrgas IBU World Cup of 2010 in Oberhof, but will return for Ruhpolding the next week.

Zina Kocher on Hochfilzen and Home

“I feel a lot more confident after the Sprint. Of course, there is that one last shot I missed (in the Sprint) is something to be dissatisfied with, but it gives me something to work on.

Four years ago, it (the Vancouver Games) seemed like a really long time to me, after Torino, but now it is here. Over the holidays, I definitely will be monitoring what I say yes to. I will make sure time that I have enough time for myself, training and recovery. I considered staying in Europe where I would not have those distractions, but then there is the mental reenergizing at home. That is very important as the Olympics get closer.”

Megan Imrie on the Fast-approaching Games and Home for Christmas

“It has been a bit of a snowball effect; just gaining momentum and the closer we get, the more attention there is and the more everyone wants your time. There is potentially more stress if you do not relax. It is actually nice being in Europe now as there are less people asking for time here. I am going home for Christmas . . . but (with a laugh), I am hiding out.

I do not know if I am ever happy to go on the airplane, but yes, I am looking forward to Christmas at home.

It is always tough being home, because everyone means well and wants to personally wish me well (before the Games). But I am going to have to find some time for myself.

As far as my season so far, I believe there has been some improvement from last year. I am feeling a lot stronger than I did at any time last year. That is good for my confidence and I know the rest of the year should go quite well.”

Some Big Names Sitting Out Pokljuka

Emil Hegle Svendsen’s excellent relay leg in Hochfilzen was his final World Cup appearance of 2009. He, along with Norwegian teammates Ole Einar Björndalen and Tora Berger are skipping Pokljuka to get in a good training block before the Oberhof and Ruhpolding World Cups. Germany’s Martina Beck and Jay Hakkinen of the USA are also not in Pokljuka.

Award to Great Britain’s Lee Steve Jackson

CEO Andy Hunt of the British Olympic Association saw his first ever biathlon competitions last weekend in Hochfilzen. On hand to present Lee Steve Jackson with an impressive trophy as the British Biathlete of the year, he commented, “I am going to at least one competition for each winter sport before Vancouver to better understand all of the sports and their needs.”