Australian Para Nordic team shows promise across Canmore World Cups

The Australian Para Nordic team has wrapped up a valuable two-week World Cup campaign in Canmore, Canada, with encouraging performances across both the Para Cross Country and Para Biathlon World Cups as the squad continues its build toward future Games selection.

Racing in a deep international field and under challenging early-season conditions, the Australian athletes gained critical competition experience, highlighted by steady results, World Cup points, and strong technical progress across both disciplines.

The campaign began with the Para Cross Country World Cup, where Lauren Parker delivered a solid performance in the women’s sitting 10km mass start, finishing 10th to earn World Cup points in her first international cross country appearance. In the men’s sitting event, Dave Milnplaced 19th, while Matt Brumby finished 32nd, with the team demonstrating resilience and growth throughout the week.

Unfortunately, due to an unexpected eligiblity technicality, visually impaired athlete Taryn Dickenswas not permitted to race the XC World Cup officially. Pushing past the frustration, Taryn and her guide Lynn-Maree Cullenforeran the races unofficially to gain additional experience of racing at this level. 

The squad then transitioned into the IBU Para Biathlon World Cup, where extreme cold tested athletes, with temperatures dropping as low as minus 20 degrees. Parker again finished 10th in the women’s sitting sprint, while Taryn Dickens, guided by Lynne-Maree Cullen, produced an impressive fifth place in the women’s visually impaired category. Miln and Brumby placed 15th and 18th respectively in the men’s sitting sprint.

Strong progression followed in the pursuit and individual events, with Miln improving to 11th in the pursuit before the team closed the weekend with the individual races. Parker finished seventh, Dickens once again secured fifth place, Miln placed 13th, and Brumby 17th, rounding out a demanding but productive World Cup block.

Head Coach Kaspar Wirz, now in his third season working with the Australian Para Nordic program after previously leading the Canadian Para Nordic team, was pleased with the group’s efforts given the limited preparation time on snow.

“The team did very well, for such a short time on snow the athletes gave their best efforts,” Wirz said.

“I think the outlook is great. Let’s stay positive and healthy for the Games.”

Taryn Dickens was disappointed in not being able to race the Cross Country World Cup, but kept a positive outlook and made the most out of the Canmore racing experience including the Biathlon events.

“These two weeks of racing here have been so valuable, my performances are worlds apart from last season,” Dickens said.

“Time on snow in the local races with Seanie [Craig] and Alina [McMaster] guiding has given me valuable experience with different guides. Racing with Lynn-Maree is always exciting and she pulls me hard around the course.

“As always in snowsports you never know what is going to happen - we had a broken ski which we did a full lap on before we got a spare. The fun part is that with poor vision I had no idea so I just kept skiing hard.

"There is no bigger privilege than wearing the green and gold and I am excited for what’s up next."

Similarly, Dave Miln took the Canmore World Cups as essential for experience and Paralympic preparation.

“Starting the World Cup season in Canmore was a really important step for us as a team,” Miln said. 

“These races are about laying foundations for Paralympic qualification, learning where we sit internationally and building confidence heading into the heart of the season.”

“Every World Cup start is a step forward not just for us as athletes, but for Australian Para Nordic skiing as a whole.”

“We’re building something that hasn’t existed for a long time, and racing on this stage shows what’s possible when the pathway is given time and support.”

For Lauren Parker, the Canmore World Cups marked a major milestone as she continues her transition into snowsports, drawing on her background in triathlon and cycling.

“I’ve had a great experience in Canmore for my first World Cup in cross country and biathlon,” Parker said.

“It’s been a challenging few weeks and I’ve overcome a lot of mental challenges and fears, but I’m proud of what I’ve achieved considering I only just started snowsports. My fitness crosses over well, and my skills on snow are improving every time.”

Parker also highlighted the significance of earning World Cup points and her progress toward Winter Paralympic qualification.

“I was so happy with my first cross country race, achieving World Cup points and making progress toward qualification,” she said.

“I also had a great race in the individual long-distance biathlon and was proud to be the second-best shooter in the women’s sitting category.

“I started this sport with a goal of making the Winter Paralympics, but also to inspire people and kids to never give up on their dreams.

“Hard work pays off. I hope to bring more awareness to para sport and snow sports, because what para athletes achieve is amazing. Onwards and upwards, I’m chasing my dreams.”

Behind the scenes, Head Coach Kaspar Wirz was supported by Assistant Coach and Wax Technician Bjorn Taylor, who ensured athletes were optimally prepared across varying snow conditions, while Alina McMaster played a key role in athlete support and competition logistics throughout the Canmore World Cups.

The Australian Para Nordic team will now regroup following the pre-Christmas World Cup block, taking confidence and momentum from their performances in Canmore as they continue their preparations for the remainder of the international season.