Curt Schreiner has been one of New York’s most succesful biathletes, competing in three Olympics (1988, 1992, 1994) and winning multiple national championships. His top international result was 6th place in the individual race at the 2000 CISM (World Military Championships). He currently lives in Day, NY and takes care of all things associated with the Saratoga Biathlon Club.
1. What do you do outside of biathlon (work, hobbies, etc)? Or are you focused on biathlon 100% of the time?
I currently work full time with the New York Army National Guard. Besides that, I am farming children. I have a crop of three of them, Jon, Erik and Katrin. They are growing quite fast and are learning to ski, run, jump, climb and shoot very nicely and should be ready to perform shortly.
2. You’ve skied all over the world, if you could choose anywhere to ski where would you go?
Some of the more beautiful areas I have skied have been in Anterselva Italy, Bariloche Argentina and Canmore Canada. Besides those three places, I think that Day NY is the next nicest and most beautiful.
3. You’ve been to three Olympic games. Besides the races, what is the best part of the Olympics?
The opening ceremonies were always really neat and quite an honor to march in. They really got the blood and patriotism flowing.
Curt Schreiner exiting the range after shooting clean.
4. A few years ago you spent a year training in the desert, are there a lot of biathlon opportunities in Mesopotamia?
Iraq was actually a really nice place if you enjoy eating dirt and being oppressively overheated all of the time. The people were really nice too (they just have different ways then us to show their affection and gratitude). I always thought that rollerskiing around the country (in tights) would be a great way to get to know the people better and get to bond with them. Unfortunately, my year there went by so fast that I never had the opportunity.
5. Did you do a lot of trash talking when you beat Ole Einar Bjørndalen at the relay in the 1994 Olympics?
I believe that one occurance made Ole Einar reflect and promise himself to never let that happen again. As a result, see how good he is!
6. You have recently added a house onto your existing house. Are you planning to keep building so that you can one day play host to the Olympics yourself?
It is my inention (and don’t tell Deb) to keep adding onto the house until I reach the range. This way I just have to walk out the door to shoot rather than walk down the driveway. I think I would shoot more if I do that.
7. What is your typical pre-race routine?
When I used to race, I would get up, do a little jog, eat a light breakfast and drink a lot of water. I always wanted to make sure that I was very well hydrated for the race.
8. A new ski tunnel just opened in Germany. When will Saratoga Biathlon be opening their ski tunnel?
Once again, don’t tell Deb, but I plan on starting to dig next spring. I will let her know when I get it done.
9. Do you prefer clockwise or counter-clockwise penalty loops?
What are penalty loops? Do they have something to do with shooting poorly?
10. You’re about to retire. Have you selected the perfect place in your house for your rocking chair?
I will have it on the first floor so I don’t have to climb.
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