Tyson Wellock has begun work as Biathlon Canada's high performance director ©Biathlon Canada

Former swimming coach Tyson Wellock has started his new role as Biathlon Canada's high performance director, aiming to end a medal drought in the sport at the Olympic Games.

Canada has not enjoyed Olympic success in the sport since 1994 when Myriam Bedard won two gold medals.

"We are so excited for Tyson to join the Biathlon Canada team, he has an ambitious vision for our future, is always learning, and is athlete-centred," Biathlon Canada general manager Heather Ambery said. 

"We will lean on Tyson's valuable experience and leadership style to continue to build momentum for Biathlon Canada’s future."

Wellock had been an international coach in United States swimming and also worked as an administrator.

"I look forward to working with the athletes and coaches to help Canada become a consistent top performer on the world stage," Wellock said.

"I believe that Canada has all of the pieces needed to achieve this goal; we need to work together to put the puzzle together."

Scott Gow's fifth place finish in the men's 20 kilometres race was the highest achieved in by a Canadian in the Beijing 2022 biathlon competitions ©Getty Images
Scott Gow's fifth place finish in the men's 20 kilometres race was the highest achieved in by a Canadian in the Beijing 2022 biathlon competitions ©Getty Images

At Beijing 2022, the best individual placing achieved by a Canadian came in the men's 20 kilometres where Scott Gow finished fifth.

Wellock has started his role by working remotely from home in the Gatineau Hills in Quebec.

He has just completed a master's degree in high performance coaching at the University of British Columbia and is currently studying for a sport analytics certificate through the University of Michigan.