For many kids across the circumpolar north, going to the Arctic Winter Games is a big opportunity.
But one 17-year-old athlete from the Yukon decided to give up his spot at this year’s event in Alaska, so his friend could compete instead.
Chase O’Brien said he’s been competing in biathlon for the past five years. It’s a sport that combines either snowshoeing or cross country skiing, and rifle shooting.
O’Brien qualified for and attended the 2023 Arctic Winter Games a year ago in Wood Buffalo, Alta., and said he had an unforgettable time — especially in pin-trading.
“It’s just an experience I wouldn’t want to miss out on,” he said.
O’Brien qualified again for this year’s games in Mat-Su, Alaska — but decided instead to give up his spot for his friend Gallagher D’Abramo. This was the last chance for either of the teens to attend the games, as they’ll both age out of the competition after this year.
“I want him to also live through that,” O’Brien said of his friend.
The Arctic Winter Games can be a once in a lifetime opportunity. A Whitehorse biathlete, who was lucky enough to qualify for the games a second time, will be sitting out to ensure another athlete gets their one chance to compete. Cheryl Kawaja tells us more.
D’Abramo had been listed as an alternate for the games in Mat-Su. He also didn’t make the cut for Wood Buffalo last year.
O’Brien knew his friend has been wanting to go to the Arctic Winter Games for several years now and that this would be his last chance before graduating.
“I felt like our friendship was more important than the race, so I decided to just let it go,” O’Brien said.
D’Abramo said he was also happy to get the chance to compete outside of Whitehorse.
“I am really happy to be here, it’s quite fun,” he said, at the games.
Coach Nick Marnik said O’Brien’s decision was reflective of the teen’s character.
“We’re an individual sport — but there’s a biathlon family,” Marnik said.
“I couldn’t have been more proud of him.”
And D’Abramo ended up doing his team proud as well — winning a bronze ulu in the five-kilometre snowshoe biathlon on Monday.
