IBU First Level Coaching Course: Learning, Collaboration and Growth

Biathlon Australia coach Heather Wiederkehr recently participated in the IBU First Level Course 26/27 – Session 2, delivered through the IBU Academy in Jakuszyce, Poland, in October 2026.

The course brought together coaches from 20 nations for a combination of classroom learning, practical coaching activities and collaborative discussions, covering key areas of youth biathlon development.

Topics included training philosophy and planning, endurance development, strength and agility, communication and leadership, shooting performance, competition preparation and athlete development. A particular focus was placed on developing structured training plans, balancing progression with recovery, and adapting programmes to the individual needs of developing athletes.

Practical sessions reinforced the importance of movement quality, coordination, agility and age-appropriate strength training, while exploring how effective feedback and communication can help create positive learning environments.

For Heather, one of the most valuable aspects of the course was the opportunity to learn alongside coaches from around the world, sharing experiences, challenges and ideas.

"I think this is my favourite part of our learning opportunity, sharing knowledge and experiences whilst supporting all attending. I remain humbled to be a part of Biathlon Australia's team of coaches and to be one of the fortunate ones undertaking the IBU Learning Academy coaching program," Heather said.

The IBU Learning Academy continues to provide valuable professional development opportunities for Australian coaches, helping build coaching knowledge and strengthen biathlon development across the country.

Australian Athletes Continue Finnish Partnership Camp

Biathlon Australia Head Coach Ana is currently coaching in Vuokatti, Finland, where Rosie Franzke, Isabella Moon and Damika Morton are undertaking training as part of the Finnish Partnership Camp.

On 6 November, the athletes will move to Kontiolahti for the second part of the partnership camp, where they will be joined by Sam Johnson, Seb Packer-Smith and Nick Blackwell.

The group will continue preparations ahead of the first IBU Cup of the season, with valuable training opportunities in Finland.

Good luck to all our athletes and happy training!

A huge thank you to Ana and our Finnish partners for organising this fantastic opportunity and continuing to support the development of Australian biathlon.

East Gippsland Biathlon Club – Hotham Training Camps

East Gippsland Biathlon Club (EGBC) is hosting residential training camps at Mt Hotham, welcoming participants of all ages, abilities and experience levels to develop their biathlon shooting and roller skiing skills.

Dates: 7–8 November and 21–22 November 2026

Accommodation: Bembooka Ski Lodge, available at $45 per person per night, with half price for children aged 16 and under. Self-catering facilities and ensuite bedrooms are provided.

Program:

• Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 am: .22 biathlon shooting at the Hotham biathlon range.
• Afternoon: Skate roller ski technique and training.
• Saturday evening: Dry-fire practice and an opportunity to ask coaches questions about training, biathlon and technique.

Enquiries and bookings:egbcbiathlon@gmail.com