As the Olympic trials approach, local biathletes Vincent Bonacci from Salt Lake City and Grace Costanguay from Heber City are gearing up for a critical opportunity to secure their spots on Team USA for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan. The trials, taking place in South Tyrol, Italy, are not just a platform for Olympic qualification; they also serve as a vital assessment for the athletes as they strive for success at the international level. Bonacci and Costanguay both entered the trials facing a challenging start to their seasons, with early competition results falling below their expectations. Bonacci acknowledged that he has yet to qualify for the upcoming Games, a situation compounded by the fact that several other athletes have already secured their spots on the team. Currently, only four men and four women will represent the United States, making every race at these trials crucial for their Olympic aspirations. "This season has been pretty disappointing for me so far," Bonacci said, expressing his frustrations with his performance. He noted that illness had affected his training and race outcomes early in the season, which led to a subpar start compared to his previous years. Bonacci’s best results thus far have been two 36th place finishes during the early IBU Cup races held in Ridnaun, Italy, in December. Despite the setbacks, Bonacci used the holiday break to focus on recovery and recalibrate his training regimen. "Only up from here," he remarked, indicating his determination to improve his performance as he heads into the trials. He expressed excitement about competing in South Tyrol, noting that the altitude is similar to that of Salt Lake City, which could play to his advantage. "I love the courses here. The food is good. Everyone seems to be in a good mood," he added, highlighting the positive atmosphere he hopes will bolster his performance. For Bonacci, qualifying for the Olympics represents more than just a personal achievement; it symbolizes a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. However, he emphasized that his love for the sport extends beyond Olympic aspirations. "It would definitely mean a lot to go. If your season is ruined by not going to the Olympics, you shouldn’t be doing that sport in the first place because it only happens once every four years," he explained. This perspective reflects a deep-rooted passion for biathlon that transcends the high stakes of Olympic qualification. Meanwhile, Grace Costanguay, who began her biathlon journey just four years ago, is also in the running for a coveted spot on Team USA. At 24, she has quickly progressed in the sport, and despite her own season not starting as she had hoped, Costanguay remains optimistic. Similar to Bonacci, she experienced health issues early in the season, which impacted her performance in the initial races. Her best placements in recent competitions were 39th and 42nd in sprint and pursuit events at the Ridnaun IBU Cup, respectively. "The season hasn’t started off quite the way I had hoped," Costanguay admitted, but she is eager to build on her momentum now that she feels closer to her peak physical condition. The opportunity to compete for a spot on the Olympic team is a remarkable achievement for Costanguay, who acknowledges the improbability of her current position just a few years ago. "It would be a dream come true for a lot of reasons," she said, emphasizing the significance of her journey in such a short time frame. As the trials commenced on Friday, both athletes are set to compete in various races at the Olympic venue, designed to evaluate who might best represent the United States in Milan later this winter. The outcome will not only determine their Olympic fates but also their standings in the competitive landscape of biathlon, with potential spots on the International Biathlon Union (IBU) World Cup circuit at stake. The IBU Cup circuit will continue after the U.S. trials, with upcoming competitions in Germany, including the Arber Cup from January 8-11. This season is pivotal for all athletes involved, as they jockey for position in the lead up to the Winter Games. With only a few World Cup events remaining before the Olympics, every race counts, and for Bonacci and Costanguay, these trials in South Tyrol mark a critical juncture in their careers. As the trials unfold, both biathletes remain focused on their goals, hopeful that their hard work, resilience, and love for the sport will carry them through to Olympic glory. The journey to Milan is not merely about qualifying; it is about the passion, dedication, and community that defines their experiences as athletes in one of the most challenging winter sports.