Para biathlon: preparation with the French team for Scott Meenagh
The pioneer of British para biathlon, Scott Meenagh, continues to make history. Two years after his world silver medal in Östersund (Sweden), the Scotsman climbed onto the World Cup podium for the first time in Torsby (Sweden) last winter. Married with two children and a degree in history, he retains the same passion for his sport.
It was in the sprint pursuit format that the 36-year-old biathlete claimed his first World Cup podium. “I love this new discipline! At first, I thought I wasn’t cut out for sprinting, but after the Prince George World Championships [in 2024, editor’s note], I changed my mind. It was new for everyone, and since then I’ve had one good result after another ,” he told Biathlon23.
His greatest achievement is of course the silver medal he won in the individual event at the 2023 World Championships in Östersund, a historic feat for Great Britain.
“I have fond memories of that race. The strongest moment was before the last bend, when I kept saying to myself: ‘Aim for the coffees’, a little game we often played in training. Once I was in the lead, I just had to finish cleanly, without forgetting how to ski!
Since then, he has relied on technology to help him progress. “The addition of a laser rifle has enabled me to triple my shooting sessions. In Scotland, we even use Quiet Eye technology to analyse my aiming patterns.
Scott Meenagh is also counting on the French team, with whom he shares moments of preparation, to help him progress. “The French team is a fantastic partner. We share waxing and technical advice, and it’s a real team feeling. To have someone like Anaïs Bescond by our side is a privilege. Her passion is contagious.
The Scot will be approaching his third Paralympic Games without pressure, but with emotion. “It all started with a chat in a café. I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Milan may be my last Games, so I want to make the most of it,” he concludes.
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