By way of introduction my name is Dave Miln, I am an Australian Defence Force Member looking to represent Australia in the 2026 Para Winter Olympics, Milan, in Cross Country and Biathlon.

Why Paralympics; 

In 2021 I was posted overseas to the USA to represent the Australian Defence Force. While on leave in the early morning of December 15 2022, while with my daughters (3 and 1) and wife, I had a traumatic life changing interaction with a Mechanical Road Snow Blower whilst on our way to ski lessons.

My actions ultimately saved the lives of the girls, keeping my 1 year old under my body and doing my best with my 3 year old. However, the 3 year old still entered the machine. My wife was able to make split second decisions that saved our lives before being transported with the girls to hospital. Due to the extent of my injuries, I spent over an hour in the machine until rescuers were able to free me, and relocate me to hospital, remaining conscious the whole time.

I am now a double amputee; above the knee of the left and below the knee on the right, as well as shattering my left femur, breaking my pelvis, 6 lower vertebrae, a sacral and finally 3 ribs. I underwent 25 different surgeries over Dec 22 and 2023.

21 months on we are going strong and starting to get back on track. A massive part of life and rehabilitation for myself and my family has been sport. Being part of Defence I have had the amazing opportunity to participate in the US DoD Warrior Games 2024. It opened my eyes to adaptive sport the community and opportunities. Luckily I have been introduced to Para-Biathlon and Para-Nordic by the ADF and it is quickly becoming a passion. That said there isn’t a recognised pathway or program and requires a lot of overseas competition in order to be ready and equipped appropriately to be competitive on an international stage.

The ADF recognises the importance of international level sport, the benefits to the individual, Defence Force and Nation. Defence can provide additional support such as special posting considerations, additional leave provisions for attending training and travel, special rationing and 'on duty' status while attending competitions for widely recognised sports. However it does not provide any funding support for members competing as 'elite status individuals' as it is a Government Organisation and therefore can’t put public funds towards an individual athlete.

Where does your money go to;

As mentioned in order to reach 2026 PWG the majority of opportunities to race both Cross Country and in Biathlon are overseas. Flights are often around AU$4000, with accommodation for a three week trip exceeding AU$10,000 and car hire approximately AU$7000. Added to the above the three Para athletes focussing on 2026 PWG currently employ our own coach and manager for these trips. Once there race fees can range from AU200 to in excess of AU$1000 depending on the level of the race. On top of that each time we race overseas we are required to take out Competition Insurance at around $700.

Outside of the above various Nordic Skis are required for different snow conditions, alongside different poles on different courses, various waxes, clothing layers and servicing equipment but to name a few. The greatest equipment expense comes in the from of the Biathlon Rifle - as a Para Biathlete I use a .177 air rifle and ammunition requiring Firearms Licencing on top of the AU$6000 purchase price. 

Upcoming Events:

There are a number of required events and points to collect in order to reach 2026 PWG, below is an outline of the timeline to get there;

2024:

(1) 14 Nov – 02 Dec, International FIS and IBU Classification at Canmore Canada for Classification and follow on Completions in Para Cross Country and Para Biathlon.

2025:

(1) 27 – 30 Jan, Para Biathlon World Cup 2, Paralympics Winter Games Test Event, Val Di Fiemme.

(2) 4 -20 Feb, Invictus Games 25 Whistler, Canada. Para Cross Country and Para Biathlon Competition.

(3) 06 – 31 Jul, Biathlon Australia Para Nordic Training Camp in New Zealand in company with the USA, Canada, Japanese and NZ National Teams.

(4) Aug (dates to be confirmed), Australian Biathlon Championships, Falls Creek (VIC). 

(5) Aug (dates to be confirmed), Ex COOLSHOT ADF Biathlon Championships, Falls Creek (VIC). 

(6) Nov (dates to be confirmed), International FIS and IBU Completions in Para Cross Country and Para Biathlon at Canmore Canada.

2026:

(1) Jan – Feb (dates to be confirmed), International FIS and IBU World Championships and Cup in Europe (locations tbc).

(2) 6 – 15 Mar, 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. 

Thank you:

Firstly thank you for taking the time to read my story, its hard to talk about at times but I am happy to share it. Thank you to those that are able to reach into their pockets to assist my in this journey but I understand not everyone is able to, to those all I would ask is to share this story with others so that the word might spread. My aim is to represent but also to highlight a path for others to follow in the future.