Australia will be represented in Para biathlon at the Paralympic Winter Games for the first time in 20 years, after Paralympics Australia announced four athletes and one sighted guide to compete in the sport at the Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics, which starts on March 6.

The same four athletes and sighted guide were named to also compete in Para cross-country skiing, in which Australia has not featured at the Games since 2010. 

The historic announcement was made by Paralympics Australia at a special presentation in Obertilliach, Austria, where the squad is staging before the Games. 

The Para biathlon team is (classification in brackets):


The Para cross-country team is (classification in brackets):

  • Matt Brumby (LW10): men’s 10km interval start, 20km interval start, sprint
  • Taryn Dickens and guide Lynn Maree Cullen (NS3): women’s 10km interval start classic, 20km interval start free, sprint classic
  • Dave Miln (LW12): men’s 10km interval start, 20km interval start, sprint
  • Lauren Parker (LS10): women’s 10km interval start, 20km interval start, sprint
  • Team Event: 4 x 2.5km relay mixed team


The announcement follows the naming of the Para snowboard team on Wednesday night (AEDT). The Para alpine skiing team will be named on Friday night. 

The team in what is collectively known as the Para Nordic sports includes two-time Paralympic Summer Games gold medallist and reigning Australian Paralympian of the Year Lauren Parker, who has transferred her exceptional skills in Para triathlon and Para cycling across to snow sports to earn selection to her first Paralympic Winter Games. 

It also features two serving members of the Royal Australian Navy, Lieutenant Commander Dave Miln and Able Seaman Taryn Dickens. Dickens’ guide Lynn Cullen is a highly experienced biathlete, who was a member of the Shadow Olympic Team in 1992, 1994 and 1998.

The fifth member of the team, Matt Brumby, who narrowly missed selection for Australia’s Para triathlon team for the Rio 2016 Paralympics, finally gets his chance to compete on the biggest stage. 

Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Ben Troy said he was thrilled that all five athletes in contention for selection had secured their place for the pinnacle event.

“This is a landmark moment for Australian Paralympic Winter sport,” Chef de Mission Ben Troy said. 

“The Para Nordic disciplines are notoriously challenging and difficult to qualify in, especially amid the ever-rising standards of global Paralympic sport. The Australian presence in Para biathlon and Para cross-country will be strong at Milano Cortina, which is a testament to the dedication of the athletes and their networks, including Biathlon Australia and Paralympics Australia. 

“Each one of the athletes in this squad has an incredibly powerful personal story but, together, they are united, proud and ready do their absolute best for Australia. This is a squad I hope all Australians will support.”

The last time Australia had a Para biathlete compete at the Paralympic Winter Games was in 2006, when James Millar competed at Torino. Millar and Dominic Monypenny represented Australia in Para cross-country skiing at Vancouver 2010. 

Para cross-country skiing is a foundation Paralympic Winter Games sport, having been on the program since the first Games, in 1976. Para biathlon has been included on the program since 1988. 

David Sygall, Paralympics Australia

Tags Dave MilnLauren Parker
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