After 2 years of covid interruption, the Australian Biathlon Championships were back in business this year. The Championships took place in Hotham Biathlon Arena on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th August. This event was a selection event for the Australian National Team, Australian National Junior Team, and Australian Development Team
As the first National Championships for 2 year, it was fantastic to see the new biathlon talent on-show, with many aiming to represent AUS internationally overseas in 2022-2023. Out next wave of younger Biathletes are extremely hard working and determined. They spend a huge amount of time training in between races to improve their skills and prepare themselves for the Championship events. This leads to great competition and tight finishes
On Saturday, the athletes competed in 30 seconds interval start Sprint event. The U14’s to U18’s raced at 10:30, followed by the U22's, Open and master’s at 11.30am. Congratulations to the 2022 Australian Sprint Champions in each age group:
Age Class |
Female |
Male |
U14 |
Thea Harvey |
Ben Wichgers |
U16 |
Bridget Harvey |
|
U18 |
Ava Mccann |
Boris Stanish |
U22 |
Isabella Moon |
Noah Bradford |
Open |
|
Chris Sullivan |
Masters 35 |
|
Tristan Creed |
Masters 45 |
Lynn Maree Cullen |
Sean Mcgrath |
Masters 55 |
Ro Packer |
Garry Lewis |
Masters 65+ |
|
Bob Cranage |
The full results for the races can be seen here.
On Sunday, the competition format changed to Mass Start with distances ranging from between 3km and 11km in distance. The Mass Start is a great spectator event with athletes starting in waves and coming into the Range in many cases almost at the same time. It requires nerves of steel to focus on their own shooting and accuracy and not being distracted by the competitor in the next lane! Congratulations to our 2022 Australian Mass Start Champions:
Age Class |
Female |
Male |
U14 |
Thea Harvey |
Ben Wichgers |
U16 |
Bridget Harvey |
|
U18 |
Damika Morton |
Boris Stanish |
U22 |
|
Noah Bradford |
Open |
|
William Neuhaus |
Masters 35 |
|
Nour Eldin Tarraf |
Masters 45 |
Heather Bundy |
Ian Franzke |
Masters 55 |
Ro Packer |
Chris Waters |
Masters 65+ |
|
Bob Cranage |
Full results for the Mass Start can be found here.
Many thanks are owed to the big group of people who contribute their time to ensure a weekend of racing such as the Australian Championships is made possible. Thank you to the volunteers for your generosity and commitment to the sport and athletes. Thank you to the event organisers for your hours of administration work behind the scenes!
Finally, congratulations to the athletes who competed, it’s great to have racing back!