LAKE PLACID — Lake Clear native Jackie Garso was one of seven athletes named to the United States Biathlon Association’s National Development Group. The organization also announced its nominated members of the 2025-26 Senior National Team.

The U.S. Biathlon National Team is coached by Armin Auchentaller, Emil Bormetti, Matt Emmons and Mike Gibson, who also leads the National Development Group.

“Success stays rooted in the habits that got us this far,” Auchentaller said. “We are not starting over, we are building on a foundation of discipline, routine and belief. We will try to find the progress in the details and focus on the process — every rep, every step, every shot, everything matters. So, thank you to everyone who is part of the process, this journey takes all of us!”

The U.S. Biathlon National Development Group aims to support athletes who have not yet met National Team criteria and provide a pathway that eventually can lead to a National Team nomination.

“As we head into the Olympic season, there’s a real sense of purpose and belief in what this team can achieve,” said U.S. Biathlon Director of High Performance Lowell Bailey. “The 2024-25 season showed that our systems are working — we’ve seen measurable progress and inspiring performances across all levels of our program. With the 2026 Games on the horizon, our athletes, coaches and staff are more motivated than ever. We believe in these athletes, and we know that an Olympic medal is within reach. This is a crucial year, and we’re ready to work harder than ever to support our teams in realizing their potential. Congratulations to all of the nominees — we’re proud of everything you’ve accomplished and excited for what’s to come.”

Below is the complete team.

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Senior National Team

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A1:

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Campbell Wright (Wanaka, New Zealand/Waiorau Nordic Skiing)

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A2:

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Jake Brown (St. Paul, Minnesota/Craftsbury Green Racing Project)

Maxime Germain (Chamonix-Mont Blanc, France/National Guard Biathlon)

Deedra Irwin (Pulaski, Wisconsin/Army World Class Athlete Program)

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A3:

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Paul Schommer (Appleton, Wisconsin/Team Birkie/Ariens Nordic Center)

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B:

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Lucinda Anderson (Golden Valley, Minnesota/Team Birkie)

Vincent Bonacci (Salt Lake City, Utah/Unaffiliated)

Grace Castonguay (Jackson, New Hampshire/Soldier Hollow Elite)

Vaclav Cervenka (Grand Rapids, MinnesotaArmy World Class Athlete Program)

Kelsey Dickinson (Winthrop, Washington/Craftsbury Green Racing Project)

Sean Doherty (Center Conway, New Hampshire/Army World Class Athlete Program)

Margie Freed (Apple Valley, Minnesota/Craftsbury Green Racing Project)

Chloe Levins (Williston, Vermont/MNC Pro)

Bjorn Westervelt (Stowe, Vermont/Craftsbury Green Racing Project)

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National Development Group

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Cheresa Bouley (Zimmerman, Minnesota/Minnesota Biathlon)

Luke Brown (St. Paul, Minnesota/Craftsbury Green Racing Project)

Wes Campbell (Park City, Utah/Michigan Tech University)

Jackie Garso (Lake Clear/Craftsbury Green Racing Project)

Tara Geraghty-Moats (West Fairlee, Vermont/National Guard Biathlon)

Eli Nielsen (Stehekin, Washington/National Guard Biathlon)

Thor Sheppard (West Yellowstone, Montana/Team Altius)