BIATHLON: Jill Colebourne was the sole Australian among the 19-strong field to take on the women's 12.5 kilometre mass start at the Sapporo 2017 Asian Winter Games.

It is only the second time Colebourne had participated in an international mass start and despite experiencing fatigue from a busy week of competition it wasn't an opportunity she was going to let pass.

"I went out there and had a go," Colebourne said.

"I'm glad I gave it a try, if I could do it again I'd probably do the same thing."

The field battled difficult conditions and Colebourne found the intense competition schedule had taken its toll.

"My body was wrecked from the last three days of racing," she said.

"I think I was mentally exhausted as well because I couldn't focus, I couldn't make my shots."

Colebourne made it through three of the four shooting rounds before she was lapped, thus having to pull out from the race and finishing in 19th place

"Because it is the end of the season and this is the fourth race in four days it wasn't a good day for me.

"I knew the Games schedule would be challenging but it was tougher than I expected," she said.

The Asian Winter Games has inspired Colebourne for the future.

“I loved every second,” she said. “Even though these races weren't my best races I'm so glad I had the opportunity to have this experience.

"I definitely improved my shooting and I finally showed what I can do in training I can do in races as well.

"Really excited for the Australian season and European winter and see if I can do it again," Colebourne said

Michelle Cook
olympics.com.au