Australia will compete in para biathlon for the first time in 20 years at the Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics, starting March 6. The team of four athletes and one sighted guide was also named for para cross-country skiing, marking a return to the event since 2010. Two-time summer Paralympics gold medallist Lauren Parker headlines the squad in her winter Games debut.
Paralympics Australia announced the para nordic team during a presentation in Obertilliach, Austria, where the athletes are preparing for the Games. The selection includes Matt Brumby (LW10), Taryn Dickens with guide Lynn Maree Cullen (NS3), Dave Miln (LW12), and Lauren Parker (LW10 or LS10 depending on event).
In para biathlon, the athletes will contest men's and women's individual, sprint, and pursuit events. For para cross-country skiing, Brumby is entered in the men's 10km and 20km interval starts plus sprint; Dickens and Cullen in the women's 10km classic, 20km free, and sprint classic; Miln in similar men's events; and Parker in women's 10km and 20km interval starts plus sprint. The team will also participate in the 4 x 2.5km mixed relay.
Lauren Parker, the reigning Australian Paralympian of the Year, brings her expertise from para triathlon and para cycling, where she won two gold medals at the summer Paralympics. She is making her first appearance at the winter Games. Dave Miln, a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Australian Navy, and Taryn Dickens, an Able Seaman, represent serving military personnel on the team.
This announcement follows the naming of the para snowboard team on Wednesday night AEDT, with the para alpine skiing team to be revealed on Friday night. The para nordic sports represent a historic step for Australia, absent from biathlon since 2006 and cross-country since 2010.
