A GMVS FOUNDATION LED TO A BIATHLON OLYMPIC DREAM – FACT 43 of 50
Laura Spector ‘05
Five years after graduating from GMVS, Laura Spector’s dedication and commitment to the sport of Nordic skiing paid off as she was named to the US Biathlon Olympic Team. While Biathlon was not her primary discipline during her years at GMVS, she worked hard upon graduation to become more involved in the sport, ultimately earning herself the opportunity to compete in the Olympic Games.
Participating in the 2010 Olympic Games in Whistler was a unique experience for Spector, as she learned to manage the distractions, developed new friendships, and saw other athletes in a new light as she lived among them in the Athlete’s Village. One of the major lessons she learned was the value of balance in life and how stepping away from one’s sport every now and then can be an invaluable part of success.
After only one full year of international racing under her belt, skiing into the Whistler Olympic Park stadium with that crowd was a rush she will always remember. Motivated by the crowd, Spector went on to set personal bests, shooting 18-for-20 in the 15K individual race. Upon completion of her Olympic journey, Spector returned to Dartmouth College where she earned a B.A. in Biological Sciences and a minor in Jewish Studies in 2011.