Fiance reduces trials at biathlon

If you saw a front-page photo of two people embracing at the U.S. Olympic biathlon trials last week in Fort Kent, you can get a pretty good idea of how relieved Rachel Steer was.

Steer qualified for the Olympics in biathlon, a sport that combines cross-country skiing and target shooting. But without the support of her fiance, Toby Schwoerer, things might have been a lot different.

He is, as Steer said, her waxman with benefits. Or a fiance with waxing benefits.

Either way, Schwoerer’s job last week wasn’t just to make sure her skis had enough wax to go fast.

“It was a lot of emotions because he’s been fantastic,” Steer said after the trials ended. “He came here, he waxed for me, he went through my being pissed off, and he has just had the most positive attitude all week.”

Over and over again, those of us who talked to the biathlon stars in Fort Kent last week heard that the trials week is the most difficult, nerve-wracking experience they’ll go through as athletes.

And more than once, we heard that having a support system makes it easier.

Just what was Rachel Steer angry about? Here’s the short version of the story. Steer, by far, the top U.S. woman on the international biathlon circuit, thought she should be able to qualify for the Olympics based on her terrific results from the year before. She lives in Alaska, and it’s expensive for her to spend a week in northern Maine.

Once Steer got to Fort Kent, it took her a few days to get over her feelings. In fact, she finished 15th in the first event and didn’t exactly feel like talking to the media afterward.

But Toby, who was once a top-level ski racer in Germany, was there for her. They two walked out of the snowy stadium together.

“I know he really knows what this is like, because he’s been there before in Germany,” she said. “And you know, he’s really been here for me and it’s great to share it with him.”

The photo of Steer and Schwoerer embracing was taken after the final event, when Steer knew she had qualified for her second Olympics. She skied across the finish line in the final event and a minute later collapsed into Schwoerer’s arms.

For Lowell Bailey, a New York native who lives and trains in Fort Kent, having girlfriend Caitlin at the biathlon trials was “really special.”

“It’s not too often that we get to spend a lot of time together because I’m on the road a whole lot now,” he said after qualifying himself. “So for her to be able to come up and spend this week for me was awesome. It really helped me out.”

He’ll head back on the road now, as the U.S. team makes its way to Turin, Italy, for the Olympics.

I’m not a jealous person by nature, but I was certainly envious of the strength of their relationship, and also that of Rachel Steer and Toby Schwoerer. It makes you wonder, what kinds of trials could I get through with someone by my side?

OK, I’ll admit it. I’m a little jealous.

So just what did Toby Schwoerer tell Rachel Steer after she crossed the finish line?

“Nothing,” he said, waiting inside the lodge while waiting for his fiance. “Sometimes just not talking is a lot better.”

Jessica Bloch can be reached at jbloch@bangordailynews.net.