Dear Biathlon Family Australia,
While most Australian biathletes were busy beginning their training in the Australian Alps, four Aussie athletes were swapping their skis for rollerskis in Norway. From the 29th of June to the 5th of July, Phoenix Sparke, Damika Morton, Liam Cullen-Croke, and Samuel Johnson, with NF Coach Damon Morton, were representing Australia at the IBU/IOC Solidarity camp at Lillehammer Olympic Legacy Centre.
This camp was an opportunity for our AUS teammates to build new connections and strengthen existing ones with international para, and able bodied athletes, all the while continuing their training and learning from Norwegian coaches.
The week consisted of various types of training, featuring lots of dry fire and shooting fundamentals, as well as physical training, a race, and presentations, including one from IBU head coach Knut Kuvås Brevik about the structure of Norwegian biathlon and cross country training.
Australia finished the camp off strong with a second-place finish in the team relay, consisting of Liam Cullen-Croke, Phoenix Sparke, Simona Bubenickova (Para, CZE), and Damika Morton. For more camp highlights see: IBU-IOC and IBU-IPC Summer Camp 2025: Growing Together in Lillehammer
Overall, the week was a great opportunity thanks to the support from the IBU, IOC, Biathlon Australia, and Norwegian Skiskytterforbund.
Dave, Sandy, Brett, Libby, Kat, Kate, Mark & Murray
