6 September 2024
The Whiskey Flat Biathlon Range in Victoria’s Mt Hotham alpine region involved 15 aviators competing in the 2024 ADF Interservice Nordic Skiing and Biathlon Championships.
Army won the interservice competition with Air Force placing second overall and Navy in third.
Held during August 11-23, Exercise Coolshot 24 comprised of a training week followed by the interservice competition.
Biathlon is a winter sport combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting from the prone and standing positions. Biathletes must demonstrate physical stamina and concentration while shooting accurately in difficult environments with elevated heart rates.
It was another tough competition due to depleting snow and warmer temperatures on the mountain, making skiing conditions even more challenging. Teams shovelled snow onto the track to create a competitive course and ensure the biathlon could be held at the range.
'It’s all about enjoying the challenge, improving with every race and having fun out on the course with the team.'
Aircraftwoman Sascha Kroopin was the best of the RAAF women, winning the Classic Ski Race, the Sprint Biathlon as well as being awarded best female shot.
“Taking part in the Nordic Biathlon for ADF sport is a great way to stay active and push my limits while representing the Air Force,” Aircraftwoman Kroopin said.
“It’s all about enjoying the challenge, improving with every race and having fun out on the course with the team.”
Leading Aircraftman Stuart Reed was the best of the Air Force men in all race categories, winning the Men’s Classic and Sprint Biathlon.
“Exercise Coolshot is one of the highlights of my ADF career,” Leading Aircraftman Reed said.
“The first time I tried cross-country skiing was in 2015. Thanks to the coaching staff I have been able to win multiple RAAF cross-country and biathlon championships as well as represent the ADF in international competitions.”
Flying Officer Brendan Smith claimed best shot in only his second season and Flight Sergeant Adrian Moore returned after a long absence to be named the RAAF team’s overall best and fairest.
'The first time I tried cross-country skiing was in 2015. Thanks to the coaching staff I have been able to win multiple RAAF cross-country and biathlon championships as well as represent the ADF in international competitions.'
President of the Air Force Nordic Skiing and Biathlon Association, Wing Commander Carmen Sieger-Gee, explained why the biathlon was a fantastic winter activity.
It provides a structured environment for anyone seeking to challenge themselves physically and mentally, while building endurance through high-altitude training, enhancing technical mastery, teamwork skills and competing in an internationally recognised sport.
Exercise Coolshot provides this structured environment for ADF novice and experienced biathletes to compete. This year the Air Force team did amazingly well, both individually and as a team.
“For anyone considering wanting to become a biathlete and join us for Exercise Coolshot 2025, please reach out, we’d love to hear from you. And it’s ok if you have never skied before, you’ll be taught by our amazing coaches on the mountain,” Wing Commander Sieger-Gee said.
Exercise Coolshot returns in 2025 and is planned for August 11-24. Personnel interested in this sport can contact RAAF.Nordic@defence.gov.au for more information.
