This weekend Australia’s #1 ranked Biathlete, Darcie Morton will take to the course for the 2024 Australian Championships at Mount Hotham. 

Hailing from a family that is entrenched in the sport, Morton’s father, brother and sister have all competed internationally. 

“I have been skiing and shooting since I could walk,” said Morton.

“My dad first got me started in Biathlon as he competed at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympics. My brother Damon has been competing at World Cups and my younger sister is also competing.” 

Morton’s love for the sport comes down to the combination of the two different aspects of Biathlon. 

“Shooting is very mental and skiing is very aerobic, to combine both can be really difficult and when you do it feels amazing,” said Morton. 

“It’s unique in the fact that it gives the opportunity for anyone to win, making it super exciting for spectators to watch as well.” 

With top Biathletes based in the Northern Hemisphere, Morton has been spending plenty of time overseas for training blocks. 

Having recently joined the Australian Army, Morton will complete her first training camp before heading to the Norwegian and Austrian Roller Ski Championships before training with Austrian and Latvian teams in October and November. 

“Through Biathlon Australia I’ve been lucky to create partnerships with a number of Federations which is great,” said Morton. 

“Coming into World Championships in early 2025 I’ll have the opportunity to work with Finland. It’s a tight-knit and friendly sport so it is great to be able to work with other teams.”

Looking ahead, Morton is working towards her goal of being a Winter Olympian.  

“To qualify for Milan-Cortino 2026 I will have to win a wild-card as Australia is not in the top 20 nations,” said Morton. 

“I will need to lower my IBU Cup points a bit lower to be able to achieve the wild-card, racing while on the World Cup is the stepping stone to getting the qualification.” 

Morton will compete in the 2024 Australian Championships held at Mount Hotham from Friday 9 August - Sunday 11 August.