I recently achieved one of my dreams – to be invited to join the Australian biathlon junior team. I love skiing for Australia and my goal is to represent Australia at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Please help me get there!

This past winter I lived in Canberra which made a difference to my training program. Most mornings I start at 4am – training for a couple of hours in the gym, going for a bike ride, rollersking or a run. After school I train again for another couple of hours. Being in Canberra has given me the opportunity to train mid-week with both the national biathlon and cross-country skiers. It has been a fantastic experience.

I am so excited to have the chance to be back on snow this European winter in the world-famous biathlon ski areas in Obertilliach (Austria) training with top level Olympic coaches and other world class athletes. The AOC (Australian Olympic Committee) selected me to represent Australia at the International Biathlon Union training camp in Oberhof, Germany in October with three other Australian biathlon junior teammates. During January 2023, I will train with the Australian Junior Development cross country team in Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria. My goal is to qualify for the biathlon world junior championships being held in March 2023.

My training and racing experience in Italy, Austria and Sweden last year helped me achieve great results during the Australian 2022 winter season.

Over the past year I have been working during the school holidays and managed to raise funds to cover some of the costs of accommodation, coaching, transport, equipment etc. I would appreciate any assistance from family and friends to support my training in Europe during 2022/23.

How your donations will support me

• Flights and travel
• Accommodation
• Race Entries
• Training gear and equipment
• Food and nutrition

Thank you. Any donation is gratefully received, and all donations are tax deductible.

If you would like to check out how I am going this season, I will post updates on my insta page https://www.instagram.com/jackhirst_sport/