It was a combination of experience and first-time athletes from NSW that represented Australia at IBU World Juniors in Slovakia. With 2 experienced members and 3 who were making their debut at the event, the results were solid and provide a very promising platform to continue to build high performance biathlon in NSW.

With our NSW athletes making up over 70% of the Australian Team, and 100% of the Junior Girls Relay team, the first-time experience gained by Archie Gordon, Izzy Moon and Lulu Miskin by competing and being part of the event was invaluable.

Each athlete took part in 3 events, Individual, Sprint and a Relay. During the competitions, they were required to manage their shooting and approach to the Range without coaches Cameron Morton and Lucy Glanville providing the hands-on instruction that’s part of their training regime. 

In the Youth Girls Individual, Lulu and Izzy, shot remarkably with Lulu hitting 17 targets from 20 and Izzy 15.

Archie Gordon positioned himself as the No 1 Junior Male AUS biathlete in the Sprint format, not having been beaten over this format since he commenced in biathlon last year. Archie finished over 2mins ahead of the other Junior Australian boys despite missing two more targets.

Will Neuhaus achieved a break-through Sprint race, shooting the same as AUS 2016 Youth Olympian (2,0) but for the first time ever, being faster on skis. Will was able to hold his nerve after missing 2 in prone, and shoot clean in standing.

Darcie Morton guided and assisted her younger team-mates and delivered a sterling performance in the Junior Girls Sprint, shooting (0,1) and only 3.17.2mins behind. Darcie has two more years in Juniors, so the best is yet to come from her.

Over-all, 2019 World Juniors was a great experience and development event for our NSW biathletes and we congratulate them for their results at the Event.