Scott Gow

Biography

Scott Gow was part of Canadian biathlon history at the 2016 IBU World Championships where he, along with younger brother Christian, Nathan Smith, and Brendan Green, won bronze in the 4×7.5km relay. It was Canada’s first ever men’s relay medal at the worlds and required each team member to execute their leg almost perfectly. 

Sharing the once-in-a-lifetime moment with his brother made it a career highlight. It came after Gow had contemplated leaving biathlon behind to pursue his university education, disappointed to have not achieved his lifetime goal of qualifying for Sochi 2014. But with support from friends and family he decided to give his Olympic dream another shot. His Olympic debut at PyeongChang 2018 was highlighted by a 14th-place finish in the 20km individual event in which he was the top Canadian.  

At Beijing 2022, Gow finished fifth in the 20km individual event, matching the best ever Olympic result by a Canadian in any men’s biathlon event. It was the second best result of Gow’s career in any solo elite level race. Gow was also part of the men’s 4×7.5km relay team that finished sixth for Canada’s best ever Olympic result in that event. He would go on to announce his retirement at the end of the 2021-22 season.

His Olympic dream had first become a legitimate goal after he represented Canada for the first time at the IBU Youth World Championships in 2007. He also competed at the youth worlds in 2008 and 2009 before making back-to-back appearances at the IBU Junior World Championships in 2010 and 2011. Gow represented Team Alberta at the 2011 Canada Winter Games, winning gold in all four events (sprint, individual, pursuit, relay) he entered. 

Gow has represented Canada at every senior IBU World Championship since 2013. In addition to the relay bronze from 2016, he earned top-eight finishes in the men’s relay in 2013 and the mixed relay in 2021. His best solo result at the worlds came in 2020 when he finished 16th in the 10km sprint.

Gow has been competing in IBU World Cup events since 2011. He came close to winning his first career medal at the 2021-22 season opener in Oestersund, Sweden when he shot a perfect 20-for-20 and finished fourth in the 20km individual event. That beat his previous personal best, a 10th-place finish in the 15km mass start, also in Oestersund, in March 2021.  

A Little More About Scott

Getting into the Sport: Started in biathlon at age 11 when he enrolled in the Biathlon Bears program at Canada Olympic Park… Moved to the club level at age 13… Had never cross-country skied until he started biathlon but wanted to master the physical and technical challenge while having the fun of shooting… Outside Interests: After his biathlon career, would like to go to medical school and become a doctor… Enjoys playing cards (cribbage, bridge) and board (Avalon) games while on tour… In the off-season enjoys alpine skiing, mountain biking, tennis… Odds and Ends: Collects pins he receives at every competition venue… Favourite motto: “Hard work beats talent, unless talent works hard”…