BA Coach Completes Inaugural IBU Para Biathlon Coaching Course

Biathlon Australia coach Julia Smusz has completed the inaugural IBU Para Biathlon Basic Level Coaching Course in Oberhof, Germany, gaining valuable knowledge and practical experience to support the development of para biathlon in Australia.

The course included practical and theory-based sessions covering range procedures, mobility training and ways to structure engaging training sessions tailored to the individual needs of para athletes. It was followed by an eight-day camp, combining four days of training with four days of racing and race preparation.

Julia shared her experience:

“This was week two of the course, which consisted of three full-on days with both practical and theory-based classes full of useful information to help further develop my coaching.

“We learnt about range procedures for para athletes and how to structure training sessions around their needs. There was a lot of focus on mobility training and engaging ways to help athletes develop while making sessions enjoyable.

“I am overwhelmed, in a good way, by just how interesting training for para athletes can be. Not just from the athlete’s perspective, but also by how much variety there is in the training we can offer to bring out the best in our para athletes.

“The best thing about this course was that most of the practical sessions were held on snow, which was a really valuable experience. It was great to ski the Oberhof indoor loop and have the opportunity to practise shooting both inside the tunnel and outside on the snow. The loop itself was small, but tactical.

“It was also a great experience to meet the other coaches, share our experiences and knowledge, and learn from the IBU trainers.”

The follow-up camp provided further practical experience, including supporting Australian para biathlete Alex Hale as he received his international classification and prepared to compete internationally.

Julia also gained valuable experience working with Alex’s new sit ski, learning how to adjust the equipment to suit his individual needs and help him make the most of it technically.

“With every race, Alex felt more comfortable, which was a great takeaway for the future.”

Julia thanked the fellow coaches and the IBU for their support, particularly with equipment and access to high-quality training venues.

“ I was very appreciative of all their help, as it wouldn’t have been possible without their support.”

Congratulations to Julia on this excellent achievement. Her new knowledge and experience will be valuable as Biathlon Australia continues to support the development of para biathlon.

Firearms Licence Renewals: Processing Delays

Biathlon Australia has been advised that firearms licence renewals may take some time to process in both New South Wales and Victoria. In NSW, members have reported that renewals may take up to four months.

Members who have submitted a renewal application and are awaiting their new licence are encouraged to retain any correspondence or documentation from the relevant firearms registry confirming their licence status.

If you are awaiting a renewal, please contact Biathlon Australia if you have concerns about your licence expiry date or have received automated reminders from BA. This will help us keep our records up to date.

Members remain responsible for ensuring they comply with all applicable firearms licensing requirements, including those relating to possession, transport and overseas travel with firearms.

Save the Dates: 2027 Biathlon Championships

The dates have been confirmed for Biathlon Australia’s 2027 National and Australian Championships at Whiskey Flat, Mount Hotham, Victoria.

• 17–18 July 2027: National Championships
• 14–15 August 2027: Australian Championships

Biathlon Australia hopes the August races will once again be held as an IBU Regional Event, welcoming international competition to Mount Hotham.

Further details and event information will be published closer to the dates.