Dear Biathlon Family Australia,

Congratulations to Julia Smusz and Heather Wiederkehr on being selected by the IBU in the latest round of IBU Academy coach education course applications.

Julia is Perisher Head Coach, led the Australian Junior Team through to the Junior Open European Championships in Altenberg in Germany earlier this year, and is currently in Poland working as a biathlon Club coach. Julia will be undertaking the IBU Level 1 coaching course after successfully completing the IBU Basic coaching course requirements on 10 Jun 23.

Heather is our sixth coach selected by the IBU Academy to undertake the IBU coach education program. Heather has been involved in coaching our para athletes. Heather made her World Cup debut this year guiding Taryn Dickens and helping Australia’s campaign to secure quota positions for Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games through the 2024-25 IBU and FIS World Ranking Points Lists. Heather is a current Masters athlete who continues to race and assist with coaching at Whiskey Flat, Mount Hotham and within the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Heather has been selected for the IBU Basic coaching course.

Biathlon Australia appreciates the support of the IBU Academy in providing our coaches these education opportunities. Biathlon Australia has now been successful in nominating six coaches for IBU Academy coaching education:

• Lucy Glanville, OLY (IBU Level 2 coach certified on 3 Jul 24)
• Damon Morton (IBU Level 2 coach course underway with week 2 on 10-16 Apr 25)
• Toscha Stopar (IBU Level 1 coach course underway)
• Julia Smusz (selected for IBU Level 1 course)
• Dyllan Harmer (IBU Basic coach course complete, 30 hours practical undertaken in Vuokatti, Finland ahead of 2025 YJWCHs in Sweden, awaiting IBU certification)
• Heather Wiederkehr (selected for IBU Basic Course 24-30 April 2025 at ULSZ/Olympic Center in Rif/Salzburg (AUT))

We wish all our coaches all the best on their coaching journeys ahead.

Biathlon Australia, stronger together!

David, Sandy, Brett, Libby, Kat, Mark and Murray