Kara Salmela was a biathlete who competed for the USA at the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics. Salmela attended college at the University of Minnesota at Duluth, graduating with a degree in exercise science and physiology. After her ski racing career ended she formed Midnight Sun Adventure Company that specialized in tours with kayaking and cross-country skiing. She later created Midnight Sun Events that directed recreational sports events in Minnesota. In 2008 she also started SalmelaTalent, a boutique search firm that assists with relationship building.