In Europe, air rifle racing is the interim step (similar to our laser biathlon) many biathletes take before commencing biathlon with .22 rifles. Many events include air rifle racing for their younger athletes starting anywhere from U12 to U15 depending upon the country development pathway and rifle regulations.

Such an event was held on Sunday 12 Jan 2020 at Leogang in Austria with Damika Morton and Phoenix Sparke entering. Our biathletes has great success!

Phoenix racing in U14 Boys and skiing 4.5km (3x1.5km loops) came 3^rd despite missing 6 targets. This is a phenomenal result for Phoenix, in his first biathlon season overseas and given he only took up biathlon in Feb last year after attending a Come and Try biathlon session. Phoenix’s results shows the importance of skiing fast in biathlon as often steadiness in shooting is developed as the athlete learns more about the importance of breathing when shooting and what level they need to slow to as they come into the Range.

Damika raced in the U12-U13 Girls and came 4^th shooting (0,0) , only 30secs behind the winner and 4 secs off 2^nd place. Damika’s distance was 3km (3x1km loops) and she unfortunately had a couple of rifle malfunctions resulting in some delays at the Range.affecting  her result. 

It is great for our young athletes to be able to be part of such development races in Europe, congratulations to them both and special thanks to the Leogang organisers for permitting their entry into the event.