PULASKI, Wis. (WFRV) – As biathlete Deedra Irwin prepares for her second Olympic Games, she’s embracing a completely different experience than the one she had four years ago in Beijing.

“This time around feels more like the real Olympic experience,” Irwin said. “I didn’t get that last time because of COVID. Now, I feel more prepared—but also less prepared—because everything’s new.”

Irwin, a Pulaski native and member of Team USA Biathlon, reflected on how much has changed since her debut on the world’s biggest stage. Instead of arriving in isolation, she’s now attending media summits, meeting fellow athletes, and soaking in the full Olympic atmosphere.

“I was a little more of a homebody before Beijing,” she said. “Now there are more distractions, but not bad ones. It’s fun to be around e

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