Jim Galanes: The USBA–USSS Alliance — When the Partner’s Interests Conflict with Biathlon’s
Jim Galanes brings decades of experience in U.S. Nordic skiing:
- Member of the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, 1974–1985
- Three-time Olympian — 1976, 1980 and 1984
- Women’s Coach for the U.S. Ski Team, 1987–1992
- Founder of Gold 2002 and the APU Nordic Center, 1996
Ahead of the planned September 9 vote, Jim Galanes asked a fundamental governance question: when the interests of cross-country skiing and biathlon diverge, who will choose biathlon?
Key Statements From Jim Galanes
On the central question:
“It is whether USSS can be trusted with responsibility of working with the Biathlon Board and Staff to develop biathlons whose interest conflict with those of the US Cross Country program.”
On athlete development:
“If USSS controls or substantially influences development pathways for both sports, who advocates for biathlon when the interests of the two sports diverge?”
On transparency:
“Members should understand the actual structure, incentives, costs, risks and benefits.”
On collaboration versus integration:
“But none of those things require US Biathlon to outsource most of its operations to USSS.”
His concluding principle:
“Collaboration does not require surrendering control.”
Context: Galanes discusses anonymous audio and statements attributed to USSS leadership and staff. His letter repeatedly identifies these as reported or alleged statements and notes where context or substantiation remains important.
Letter from Jim Galanes to the USBA and USSS community, September 9, 2026. Published with permission.