Biathlon Australia – Weekly Newsletter- What’s On!

Biathlon Australia Athletes Honoured at Paralympics Australia Awards

Biathlon Australia athletes were among the standout performers recognised at the Paralympics Australia Winter Paralympic Awards, held in Melbourne on Thursday 9 July, celebrating the achievements of the Australian team from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games.

Lauren Parker was named Female Athlete of the Year following an outstanding debut Winter Paralympics campaign. Already Australia's 2024 Paralympian of the Year, Lauren successfully transitioned from her Paralympic triathlon career to the snow, competing in both Para cross-country skiing and Para biathlon and recording four top 10 finishes across the Games.

In a special moment for Biathlon Australia, BA Chair Dave Windsor presented Lauren with her Female Athlete of the Year award.

Para Nordic skier Matt Brumby was recognised with the Uncle Kevin Coombs Spirit of the Games Award, honouring the determination, sportsmanship and character he demonstrated throughout the Milano Cortina campaign.

Dave Miln was also acknowledged as a Rookie of the Year nominee after making his Winter Paralympic debut in Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing, capping off an impressive first Games.

Australia's Paralympian of the Year was awarded to Para snowboarder Ben Tudhope, who also received the Male Athlete of the Year award. During his acceptance speech, Tudhope paid tribute to Lauren Parker's remarkable achievements.

"I'd like to thank and also appreciate Lauren Parker, who was also up for this award. She's an insane athlete. I could not be half the athlete she is. For her to do both Summer and Winter, it's absolutely incredible to see and it motivates me to keep on going too."

Chef de Mission Ben Troy reflected on the success of Australia's Winter Paralympic team.

"I couldn't be any prouder of what this amazing team achieved in Milano Cortina.

"There was so much to celebrate – our second-largest team to compete at the Winter Games, our first Indigenous Winter Paralympian, our youngest ever female Winter Paralympian, our return to the Para Nordic sports after 20 years, and so much more."

Congratulations to Lauren, Matt and Dave on their well-deserved recognition. Their achievements continue to inspire the Australian biathlon and Para Nordic community and highlight the growing strength of our high-performance pathway.

Representing Australia at the IBU Biathlon 4 All Project Coordinators Meeting

At the beginning of July, Director, Katerina Paul, travelled to Salzburg, Austria, to attend the IBU Biathlon 4 All (B4A) Project Coordinators Meeting.

The meeting brought together representatives from 40 participating countries to share ideas, celebrate achievements, and collaborate on the future of Biathlon 4 All and International Biathlon Day (IBD).

Over two days, project coordinators reviewed the progress of the Biathlon 4 All program and reflected on the success of International Biathlon Day 2026, which saw thousands of people introduced to biathlon around the world. The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge, discuss best practices, and explore ways to further develop the program through improved resources, digital tools, and greater standardisation of events.

Participants took part in a series of workshops covering topics including the Biathlon 4 All mobile app, standardised event guidelines, para biathlon integration, kids' course development, and communication and merchandise. These sessions generated plenty of practical ideas that can be adapted and implemented within each country's own programs.

One of the highlights was hearing how other nations have successfully grown participation. Switzerland, Canada, and China shared their experiences, with China welcoming more than 4,000 participants across three locations during International Biathlon Day 2026. Learning from these success stories provided valuable inspiration and practical ideas that can help Biathlon Australia continue to grow the sport at home.

The meeting also reinforced the importance of building an international community of project coordinators who can support one another by sharing resources, experiences, and new ideas.

Biathlon Australia is already looking ahead to the next International Biathlon Day on 29 May 2027, with many of the ideas discussed in Salzburg set to help shape next year's celebrations. We look forward to building on this year's success and creating an even bigger and more engaging experience for participants across Australia.

Reminders:

Expression of Interest: IBU Para Biathlon Camp 2026

Biathlon Australia is seeking Expressions of Interest from athletes interested in attending the IBU Para Biathlon Camp in Oberhof, Germany.

Camp dates: 25 September to 2 October 2026

The camp is designed for developing athletes with limited or no high-level Para Biathlon competition experience.

Each National Federation may nominate:

• Up to two athletes/guides
• One coach

The IBU will cover accommodation and meals for confirmed participants and provide travel support for each athlete/guide.

The Organising Committee in Oberhof, together with FIS, is also planning to conduct physical impairment (PI) classification during or immediately following the camp. Further information will be provided once confirmed.

Biathlon Australia is also exploring opportunities to extend the trip through a potential Para partnership training camp. More information will be shared if this opportunity progresses.

If you are interested in attending, please submit your Expression of Interest to Biathlon Australia by Sunday 27 July 2026 to allow time for registrations to be completed before the IBU deadline.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Biathlon Australia.

Biathlon Australia – Rifle Safety Policy

Whiskey Flat / Mount Hotham – "The Moth"

To ensure the safety of all athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and visitors, the following rifle safety requirements apply at The Moth.

Building Areas

The Moth is divided into two distinct areas:

Public Day Shelter

• Open to members of the public.
• Rifles are not permitted in this area under any circumstances.

Biathlon Australia Function Space

• Reserved for authorised Biathlon Australia activities.
• Rifles may only be brought into this area when authorised by a supervising coach during approved Biathlon Australia activities.

Rifle Safety Rules

• Rifles must never be left unattended.
• Rifles must remain in a soft or hard rifle case while being transported.
• Every rifle must have a CCI (Clear to Carry Indicator/Breech Flag) fitted whenever it is not being used for an authorised training activity.
• Rifles brought into the Function Space must remain:

except during authorised dry-fire training or rifle maintenance under coach supervision.

• Unloaded
• Bolt open
• CCI (Breech Flag) inserted
• Rifles must not be left unattended in the Function Space.
• The presence of other Biathlon Australia members does not constitute supervision.
• Athletes remain responsible for the security of their rifle at all times, including before and after training sessions.
• Dry firing and rifle cleaning may only occur under the supervision of an authorised coach.
• Before commencing any dry-fire or cleaning activity, the athlete must ensure that:
• The rifle is unloaded.
• All magazines are unloaded.
• The rifle and magazines are clear of ammunition.
• The supervising coach must independently verify that each rifle and magazine is clear before the activity begins.

Safety Reminder

Safe firearm handling is the responsibility of every member. Adhering to these requirements helps ensure a safe environment for our athletes, coaches, officials and the wider public.