Interview: Wynn Roberts

At 20 years old, Wynn Roberts of Battle Lake, Minnesota, seems to be making his mark in the world of Biathlon and Nordic Skiing.  After qualifying for Biathlon World Juniors held in Anchorage in December (sweeping all 3 events), Wynn went on to solid performances in Canada. He returned home in January and put in just a few stellar performances in the marathons of Minnesota.

St Johns Invitational 1st overall
Mora 58K-    5th place overall    2:23:10
Finlandia 50K    1st overall      2:11:10
American Birkebeiner    7th overall   2:13:33 

His younger brother Conrad also hopped on board to challenge some of the mid-distances races and proved he is also a solid skier.

St Johns Invitational   4th overall
Minnesota State Meet       5th place overall
Mora Vasaloppet 35K       3rd overall 1:27:02
Minnesota Finlandia 25K   1st overall 1:09:00
Kortelopet  4th overall 1:06:49

I recently caught up with Wynn and had a few questions for him....

1. What were your preparations for this season and what were some of your goals? 
   
   My main focus is usually to have fun.  I really enjoy ski racing and like to do as many ski races as I can.  I usually try not to have set goals until right before a set of races otherwise I tend to lose focus right before the races.  I think my main preparation would be staying active. I don't think it matters what you do for training as long as you are doing something you enjoy and are tired afterward. 
   
   
2. Your performances in Anchorage were strong. I know the temps were quite frigid how did the races go for you there, and were you surprised at the results?
   
   It was very cold the first day. I said ...."oh its not that bad, I don't need any hand warmers."  By the next day I think I had 5 hand warmers placed all around my body.  Leif Nordgren and I had both prequalified for Junior Worlds and ended up not going up to race, The main reason I was racing was to see where the other juniors were at.  Plus being able to try a brand new world class biathlon venue.
   
   
3. Tell us a little bit about Canada World Juniors and your teammate Leif Nordgren?
   
   Canadian Juniors were a lot of fun.  Anytime you get to meet and race with other juniors your age from around the world you're going to have a good time.  There is just an amazing atmosphere.  Leif and I spend a lot of time training and racing together.  I like to consider myself his training partner.  You couldn't ask for a more upbeat competitive person to be training and racing with.
   
   
4. After your biathlon races you seemed to come out and do just a "few"marathons, How was it doing three marathons in three weekends, and performing extremely well in every one?
    
   I just like to ski!  I didn't have any expectations, just hold on for as long as you can without blowing up.  Mora had wicked fast conditions and there were a lot  of games played during the race.  Attacks, drafting, sandbagging -- it was a lot like a bike race.  The second race, the Finlandia, was definitely the best out of the three.  It is definitely the most underated race out of the three.  I think that it is the best run, has the friendliest volunteers and the most exciting course.  The race definitely helped my Birkie.  If anyone can get up to Bemidji the weekend before the Birkie I would say without a doubt do it! 
   The Birkie was just how it was described.  As hard as you can go from the start.  With a ton of people who aren't smiling.  My main object was to just try and ski with a few of the guys I had hung with at Mora.  Since this was my first real Birkie I just wanted to have fun and hang on as long as I could. I kept waiting to bonk, but I didn't until the car ride back to Telemark.
   
   
5. Your brother Conrad has also had a strong season.  Have you been his 'coach' or training partner and what has that experience been for you?
   
   My brother just makes me smile.  The only reason he wasn't listed with Leif for a training partner was because at a lot of the camps he is at school.  Now that he is a little older I am getting worried.  We'll be training and he'll start to drop me, so I'll convienently end the interval.  I wouldn't say I'm his coach, I just try to answer any questions he has and offer some advise on shooting.  Usually all I say is well, don't worry I've done a lot worse;  just shake it off.  I am really looking forward to this summer! I think we'll both make big improvements training together.
   
   
6. What are your summer plans for training and where do you see yourself in the next few years? 
   
   I am planning on doing a lot of bike racing with my brother and sister.  Along with the biathlon camps that are spread throughout the summer.  As far as long term goals I have no idea.  Everyone wants to make an Olympic team, but I think that just being able to race and compete is all anyone should ask for.  I consider myself very fortunate for all the success I've had and couldn't ask for anything else. 
   
   I would also like to thank my major sponsor Paul and Linda Roberts (my parents), the sponsor that is always there for me.  None of this would be possible without them.  Madshus skis, it's hard not to do well on them they are always fast.  The US Biathlon Association, and the most affordable wax on the market, Fast Wax.