One of the highlights of the domestic season has seen the ongoing inclusion of Para Biathletes competing alongside able bodies competitors in this season’s major events.
One of those has been visually impaired skier Taryn Dickens who is enjoying the challenge of pushing herself in a unique sport she has only just taken up recently. Having previously competed in track cycling, Taryn was introduced to Biathlon via the ADF Championships, she has quickly found she may be somewhat of a trailblazer for others in her position.
“I had done some research and could not find another female or vision impaired Aussie who had competed in Para Biathlon internationally so here we are,” she said. “This season was fantastic. I believe it was a first for Biathlon Australia having Para Nationals and Australian Championships for Para Biathletes.
“We felt very welcome and proud to race with all the other athletes.”
Australia’s last Para Biathlete to compete at the Winter Paralympics was James Millar in 2006, however with Taryn and Matt Brumby being encouraged to push their charge in the sport, there may be more taking that mantle in the near future.
“Matt and I were thrilled to be so welcome to the BA family,” said Taryn. “It can get hard to keep motivated when you are constantly racing against yourself but the banter and the cheering from the other athletes during the races and when we crossed the finish line certainly gives you a lift.
“It was great to hear from the other athletes how much they could see us improve in the weeks on snow as well.”
Taryn’s dedication have resulted in a start at the IBU Para Biathlon Development Camp in Austria next month, an opportunity to further push her skills and gain an understanding of what it will take to compete at the international level.
“It is great opportunity for us to show the IBU that Australia not only has some great able bodied talent but we also have Para Biathletes who are keen competition too,” said Taryn who is already putting in plans for the northern winter.
“Short term goals are to get to some World Cup events and hopefully qualify to compete at the World Championships,” she said. “It is going to be a big season of us getting runs on the board.
“Matty is needing to be classified again and we are super pumped for more racing so keep an eye out on our socials for some our super exciting stories and some fundraising we will be doing to help us get there.
“Long term Milano 2026 is is in our sights, so the next 18 months are very important for us and the sport. Also I hope to have a future advocating for the sport and get more differently abled athletes into Para Biathlon.”
While Taryn has been guided by Daniel van der Ploeg this season who has been a great assistance to furthering her racing, Taryn is keen to work with more guides who can help her compete and improve as she takes on the world.
“The amount of travel and events we are hoping to get to are a big commitment for an athlete when the goal isn’t their own,” said Taryn. “If I can spread that commitment over a couple of athletes then it becomes manageable.
“Also I do hope that for the right athlete this would be a shared goal and an incredible achievement.
“So if you can ski well and love to talk while you are skiing then be in touch and lets ski together!!”
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