Biathlete representing Victoria at B.C. Winter Games
Destiny Underwood is a lefty, but she shoots right.
No, sheB次元官网网址檚 not a hockey player, though she does play competitive field lacrosse.
A multi-sport athlete, UnderwoodB次元官网网址檚 newest undertaking is the biathlon. In just her second year sheB次元官网网址檚 headed to the B.C. Winter Games in Vernon, Feb. 23 to 26.
ItB次元官网网址檚 a big step competitively, she admits, and she wants nothing more but to B次元官网网址渄o her best and learn from the competitors around her.B次元官网网址�
But unlike lacrosse, where players are encouraged to develop both their left and right handed shots, biathlon rifles, usually .22s, are designed specifically for the right or left handed shooter. Unfortunately, so few shooters are lefties that there is no left-handed rifle available to Underwood. Instead, sheB次元官网网址檚 learned on, and adjusted to a right-handed 22.
B次元官网网址淚 make it work. IB次元官网网址檓 the first left-handed shooter my coach has ever coached,B次元官网网址� says the 14-year-old student from Spectrum Community School. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 saving up and searching for a left-handed rifle but for now I can still improve just by using a right-handed shot.
B次元官网网址淚 just canB次元官网网址檛 put my chin in the chin rest. So I have to rest (my chin) against the corner of the rifle, and I also reach over with my left hand to make adjustments.B次元官网网址�
Because of her situation, Underwood will have one of the most unique styles competing in the biathlon portion of the Games.
She got into the sport, which combines cross-country skiing and target shooting, through her time spent shooting at the North Saanich Rod and Gun club as a member of the Langford-based Air Cadets Squadron 848.
The skiing is challenging, too. Underwood makes regular trips to Mount Washington to train. But at least her boots are on the right feet.
B次元官网网址淚 enjoy the challenge of shooting, despite all its frustrations,B次元官网网址� she said.
Underwood qualified for the B.C. Winter Games by placing 10th at a recent provincial competition.
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