Morton Follows Father’s Path, Pioneers Australian Biathlon Success
Australian biathlete Darcie Morton has made her Olympic debut, following the path laid by her father, Cameron Morton. This remarkable achievement occurred exactly 20 years after Cameron’s first Olympic appearance at the Torino Games in 2006. Darcie competed in the women’s 15km individual race on February 11, with her father cheering on from the stands.
Path to Olympic Success
Darcie Morton’s journey to the Olympics has been marked by nearly two years of dedicated training. Throughout this period, she spent only a month in Australia, primarily training in Norway, Austria, and Italy’s South Tyrol region. The experience is emotional for Morton, who expressed the significance of sharing this moment with her father.
Challenges of Biathlon in Australia
- Biathlon remains a niche sport in Australia.
- Awareness and participation levels are low compared to Europe where it thrives.
- Funding for athletes is limited given the country’s focus on mainstream sports.
Morton highlighted the difficulties of being away from home and the financial strains of pursuing biathlon. Despite these challenges, her Olympic experience has made her hard work worthwhile. “Racing for your country and hearing everyone cheer is incredible,” she noted.
Support from the International Biathlon Union
Despite these obstacles, Morton has benefited from the International Biathlon Union’s (IBU) support programs, specifically the “Closing the Competitive Gap” initiative. This program has provided vital financial and practical assistance to developing athletes like her.
“We are fortunate to have the IBU’s development camps and funding,” Morton remarked. “Small nations like Australia receive excellent support, enabling us to pursue our passion for biathlon.”
Future Aspirations
After participating in the Milano Cortina Games, Morton plans to return home for a six-month stint with the Australian military. She hopes to resume her biathlon career afterward but is uncertain about the resources available to her.
- Morton aims to secure funding from the IBU, the Australian Olympic Committee, and sponsors.
- She has trained with Greenland’s siblings, Sondre and Ukaleq Slettemark, in Norway.
“They feel like family to me,” Morton shared affectionately about her training partners. The superior training facilities in Norway have contributed significantly to her development as an athlete.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As she follows her father’s path to Olympic success, Darcie Morton is committed to promoting biathlon in Australia. Her goal is to inspire young athletes and potentially secure an Olympic medal for her country in the future.
“Training and competing with the best in the world is extraordinary,” she reflected. “This sport is my true passion, and I am excited about what is yet to come.”
