|
|
Sport
|
Nordic
Naval Novices
|
|
|
Call
me “king of the mountain” says LSCSO Jade Eagles
while taking in the breath-taking sights of the Victorian
Alps during the Interservice Nordic Skiing and Biathlon
Championships at Mt Hotham.
Photo by CMDR Martin Linsley.
|
| |
 |
|
LSATV
Peter Bevin shooting prone during the biathlon event.
Photo by LEUT Geoff McGinley.
|
Navy
cross-country skiers gathered at Mt Hotham, in the Victorian Alps,
in early August for the Interservice Nordic Skiing and Biathlon
Championships.
The mainly novice Navy team, with a few experienced campaigners,
finished a gallant third in the overall standing’s behind overall
winners Air Force and Army.
The squad went into camp for a week prior to the main competition
for some intensive training and a selection trial.
As many members had never seen cross-country skis before, coaches
Peter Smyth, Brian Read and current Australian representative Duane
Butcher had a huge task to create a competitive team.
Accommodation for the Navy team was first class, utilising two huge
chalets on the snow at Dinner Plain. LSCK Alan Whitehouse kept everyone
well fed by preparing excellent meals while also managing to compete
in most events.
The four-day championships included events from five to 15 kilometres.
One of the most exciting events was the biathlon, which combines
cross-country skiing with shooting at targets at a range of 50m.
The men’s event consisted of a 2.5km ski, shooting five rounds
from the prone position, skiing 3.5km, firing another five rounds,
this time standing, which was no easy feat after skiing up and down
hills for six kilometres. Then another 2.5km ski was required to
make it to the finish line.
Women competed in the same format, however the distance covered
was slightly less.
During the two weeks there was a fantastic spirit between the services.
Encouragement that was given from the experienced skiers to the
newcomers was great.
At the awards night, trophies for best Navy skiers went to LEUT
Zoe Rose and CMDR Michael McCourt.
The Navy team would like to increase its numbers next year. Previous
skiing experience is not required, as full training is provided.
Anyone interested in more information should contact LCDR Garry
Lewis at garry.lewis1@defence.gov.au
or LSATV Peter Bevin at peter.bevin@defence.gov.au.
The Nordic Skiing and Biathlon Association would like to acknowledge
and thank the ADF Sports Council, RAN Central Canteens Board, RAN
Ski Club, and HMAS Harman and Kuttabul for supporting this activity.
|
|
|
.
|
|
