It is hard for one person to achieve elite-level athletic status, much less two siblings. Lanny and Tracy Barnes (Durango, Colo.) are the exception to many norms in biathlon, a sport that combines the endurance of cross-country skiing with the precision of rifle shooting. Competing in a sport that is more individual and less team-focused, the Barnes do everything together-train, compete and support one another.

"During competitions, we're always warming up with each other, skiing around, and it's very rare to see that, I think, in our sport because it is an individual sport," Tracy explained. "A lot of teams think it's funny that when you see one of us, you see the other one-we're always together. Every once in a while, you'll see the teams skiing together, but all the time, my sister and I are together."

While competing in the same sport could cause a rift between even the closest of siblings, the Barnes agree that although they are each other's main opponents, the rivalry is friendly and they are still best friends. Having her sister around pushes each twin to work hard and when one does well, both feel rewarded.

"I think that's one of the greatest advantages that we have is being able to have your strongest competitor next to you pretty much every day, training and pushing you," Lanny said. "We're probably our biggest competitors, but I'm just as happy to see Tracy on top of the podium as myself."

The twins were members of the 2002 Junior World Championship Team that won a silver medal in the women's relay while Lanny added a bronze medal in the 15K individual competition. Last season saw Tracy earn two 25th-place World Cup finishes, in the 10K pursuit and 7.5K sprint in Pokljuka, Slovenia. Lanny's top results were 39th and 42nd in two 15K World Cup competitions and 44th at the World Championships.

Hoping that last year's results would carry over, the sisters are disappointed with the season thus far as they continue to fight lingering sicknesses. Their shooting has been clean and as soon as they get their skiing up to par, Tracy believes that they will be on their way to better results and the 2006 Olympic Winter Games at Torino, Italy in February.

"It was kind of a shaky start; we were sick for the first part of the season," Tracy said. "But I think a lot of the things were there, like our shooting. So I think once our skiing and our health come around, I have no doubt that it'll turn around and be better because we know that we've put the work in this year."

Most athletes dream of one day competing in the Olympic Games. The Barnes' goal is a little different because although they want to make the U.S. Olympic Team, their aim is for both of them to be selected.

"We've decided that no matter what happens we're going to be there to support each other," Lanny said. "So say if she makes it and I don't, I'm going to be there to support her and vice versa. Definitely a possibility, but our goal this year, we've decided, is to make it together."

The 2006 U.S. Olympic Team will be announced at the conclusion of the TD Banknorth Festival at Fort Kent (Maine) Dec. 29-Jan.3. The women will compete in four events with their best three results determining who will fill the five available spots on the team.

"I think that no matter what happens, we're there to do it together; whether or not we're actually there is a different thing," Tracy said of competing at the Olympic Winter Games. "We'll just be there to support each other, no matter what the outcome is."

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