But during the women’s 12.5K biathlon race at the FISU Winter World University Games competition on Saturday at Mount Van Hoevenberg, everything came together.

“Some days skiing well, and some days shooting well with the intense course load. I’m taking a full-time course load in the last year of my bachelors,” she said. “Just to be sitting in first place and to have the first gold medal for Canada is really great. It feels like everything is paying off.”

Rousseau claimed Canada’s first gold medal of the Games, finishing the race in 42:52.9. Poland’s Barbara Skrobiszewska took second place in 43:41.3, while Czech Republic’s Tereza Jandova was third in 43:46.6.

Rousseau shot 18-for-20 from the shooting range en route to her win.

Team USA’s Dolcie Tanguay, a Paul Smith’s College student, competes in Saturday’s women’s biathlon race at Mount Van Hoevenberg. (Enterprise photo — Parker O'Brien)

“I’ve only shot that a handful of times,” Rousseau said. “For that to come together on this day it feels really great.”

Cheresa Bouley was the top American biathlete Saturday. Bouley placed 24th overall in 49:11.7 . Paul Smith’s College’s Dolcie Tanguay finished 33rd in 50:13.3.

“I think I did alright. I’m pretty happy with the race overall,” Tanguay said. “It was my first international race, so it was pretty sweet to do this at my home course. Shooting could’ve gone a little bit better but I’m not complaining.”

A crowd came out to support not only Tanguay, but many of the U.S. athletes. 

“I had so many teammates out there. So many teammates’ parents out there watching and other locals that know my name and I don’t know their name,” Tanguay said. “The first 100 to 200 meters was all adrenaline, until I started climbing and then I felt a little tired.”

Women’s individual biathlon competition will continue at the World University Games on Wednesday with a 7.5K sprint race.