Peak performance
Air Force rises to the challenge in ADF inter-Service biathlon

Volume 48, No. 12, July 13, 2006

TRIGGERED: FLTLT Liz Derricks shows marksmanship form during the Air Force biathlon sprint event.

FROSTY FRIENDS: The Air Force team get together to smile for the camera during a training session at Mt Hotham.

Photos courtesy of FLTLT Satya Tanner

THE worst snow for 30 years was not enough to prevent Air Force taking the Novice/Intermediate Trophy, the Ladies Track and the Female Biathlon Patrol at the recent ADF inter-Service biathlon, and taking second place in the other events.

The event was held at Mount Hotham, Victoria, from August 6-11, following Air Force’s training camp and single-Service competition from July 30-August 6.

Thirty Air Force skiers, including 15 beginners, some of whom had never been on skis before, contested the annual highlight of the Defence cross-country calendar.

Team Manager FLTLT Satya Tanner said that despite the poor snow, the team had been able to make use of the snow in the village areas and that ultimately the snow on the Mount Hotham summit provided some of the best courses many of the members had ever experienced.

FLTLT Tanner complimented the coaches who trained the team during the Air Force training and competition week.

“Fifteen beginners is about three times our usual number,” she said.

“Our accelerated training program was run by our coaches Barry Hopkins, who spent the last six months working with British development squads, and Cameron Morton, who was Australia’s Olympic Biathlete at Torino [Italian winter Olympics] this year.

“The quality of our coaches is just phenomenal and people benefit more from that kind of exposure.

“Our DHL Novice award winner this year was FLTLT Glenda Preston, who equalled our top female classical skier, CPL Marion Woger, after only three days on the snow. It was an outstanding effort.

“Additionally, the Barry Hopkins Coach’s trophy was awarded to FLTLT Damien Anthony for ‘the gutsiest effort during the course of the two weeks’.”

Describing the competition during the inter-Service as “tight”, FLTLT Tanner said the team had been especially pleased with the efforts of the beginners.
“This is a sign of things to come,” she said.

A number of Air Force skiers have been selected for the ADF team, to compete in the British military championships in Ruhpolding, Germany, in January 2007.

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