Alumnus Lowell Bailey ’05 made history on Thursday when he became the first American skier to win a biathlon world championship. With strong skiing throughout the race’s 20 kilometers and perfect 20-for-20 shooting, Bailey took the top step of the podium at the championship in Hochfilzen, Austria.

“I’m waiting for someone to wake me up,” Bailey told the Associated Press. “The last loop felt like it was 40 kilometers long and not four. To shoot clean at world championships and to have unbelievable material, every single part of my race came together today. I will remember this for the rest of my life.”

At age 35, Bailey is still at the top of his game. Last weekend, his performance in a World Cup competition earned him a spot on the 2018 U.S. Olympic team, becoming the first U.S. athlete in any sport to achieve that honor. Next winter’s Olympics in South Korea will be Bailey’s fourth Games.

One of Catamount Skiing’s all-time greats, Lowell Bailey took second in two successive NCAA Championships and was a three-time All-American skier and three-time NCAA Academic All-American during his college years.

Watch the final three minutes of Lowell Bailey’s World Championship race.