By
LEUT Shona Muir
You may have heard rumours throughout the Navy that the ADF is
invited to compete in International Skiing competitions.
These rumours are now in fact true after ABCSO Tim Baird and LEUT
Shona Muir had the honour and privilege to represent the ADF,
as the RAN contingent, at the British Military Biathlon and Cross
Country Skiing Championships (Ex Rucksack 2003) in Germany in
Jan - Feb 2003.
To clear up some possible confusion, it may help to clarify that
the ADF is involved in two International Skiing competitions:
one for downhill skiing and the other for cross country skiing
and biathlon.
The ADF contingent comprised of LEUT Shona Muir, FTLT Mark Betts,
MAJ Phil Likar (team captain), CAPT Hoppy Hopkins (Reserves),
FLTLT Tina Willmett (Reserves), CPL Scott Malpass and ABCSO Timothy
Baird. We were very fortunate to meet up with members of the Australian
Biathlon Team in the lead-up to the competition while we trained
in Obertilliach in Austria.
Ex Rucksack utilised a challenging World Cup course in Ruhpolding,
Germany. The hills we skiied were on a very steep gradient and
definitely defied the logic of downhill skiing that many are used
to.
Events competed in and times received were:
- Classic
10km event Tim 40 min 42 sec Shona 47 min 00 sec
- Classic
5km event Tim 24 min 42 sec Shona 27 min 11 sec
- Skating
5km event Tim 23 min 01 sec Shona 30 min 23 sec
- Male
10km relay event Tim 40 min 44 sec
- Biathlon
7.5km sprint Shona 50 min 10 sec
- Biathlon
10km sprint Tim 51 min 06 sec
The
female 7.5km biathlon sprint comprised of three 2.5km ski laps,
a prone shoot and a standing shoot with penalty laps. The male
10km biathlon sprint comprised of five 2km ski laps, two prone
shoots, two standing shoots with penalty laps. Let’s just
say we were quite familiar with the penalty lap course by race
end!
The field for most races consisted of more than 80 competitors
for males and around 15 for females, so the standards were high
and results very impressive.
The ADF team did its best, however was unable to triumph in many
events. The Australian Biathlon Team was a little more competitive,
with some of our best skiers giving the Brits a good challenge
on the course.
The skills required for a Biathlon also have a strong military
relevance. Marksmanship skills are tested in a competitive environment
and the sport’s team nature requires leadership, cohesion
and camaraderie.
There’s no need for bulky ‘ski suits’ and the scenery
in which cross-country skiing takes place in is breathtakingly
spectacular. Oh, and sipping rich creamy hot chocolates, or the
like is a post-race ritual for all competitors!
The fantastic experience of participating in Ex Rucksack would
not have been possible without support from the RAN Nordic Ski
Club. We are indebted to CAPT David Michael (2002 president RAN
Nordic Ski Club and 2003 ADF president) and LCDR Garry Lewis for
their support and encouragement. The ADF Sports Council and the
RANCCB also provide substantial assistance to the RAN Nordic Ski
Club.
Further information on the 2003 Inter Service Ex Coolshot from
August 3-17 at Mt Hotham through: LCDR Garry Lewis, ph 02-9337
0521, Garry.Lewis1@defence.gov.au; or ABCSO Timothy Baird, timothy.baird@defence.gov.au;
or LEUT Shona Muir, shona.muir@defence.gov.au.
