Wing Commander Andrew Scholten has capped three decades in Nordic biathlon with two gold medals at the Australian Biathlon Championships, proving both his resilience and enduring commitment to the sport.
Competing in the 45-55 age category, Wing Commander Scholten secured the victories in August at Mount Hotham, proving that age is no barrier to continuing development in the sport.
His passion for the demanding blend of cross-country skiing and precision military shooting began with an advertisement.
"I saw an ad for Nordic Biathlon in RAAF News way back in 1995 and thought I would give it a go. The mantra of 'challenge, discovery and conquest' was instilled by our then coach, Captain Barry Hopkins, and every year it rings true," Wing Commander Scholten said.
"It's carried forward by our world-class coach Toscha Stopar today, leading us to two championship wins in three years.
"I see it as a concentrated version of service life. Being part of a team during those intense periods on the snow strengthens the Air Force spirit and camaraderie that define our culture."
Nordic biathlon's demands reflect the grit often required in Air Force life.
"It's a physically demanding sport and environment - for some races you're at full tilt for an hour or more in arduous conditions and then you're working with the team to make the rest of the day happen," Wing Commander Scholten said.
Nordic biathlon requires participants to stay calm to shoot accurately during bouts of intense cross-country skiing.
"The ability to focus, find that moment of clarity and execute under pressure directly translates to handling operational challenges in the Air Force," Wing Commander Scholten said.
In each of the service teams, senior athletes mentor and coach juniors, teaching skiing and shooting techniques.
"It engenders a sense of having to work together, building bonds that strengthen Air Force and interservice camaraderie," Wing Commander Scholten said.
"It also fosters that intergenerational respect so essential to good teamwork."
'It's an amazing activity, completely unlike anything you've tried before. It makes you a better athlete and service member, imparting lifelong military skills, friendships and resilience.'
The sport is also supporting para-athletes with extra challenges to overcome.
"There were some inspirational athletes competing in the nationals," Wing Commander Scholten said.
"Some of them had starred in the Invictus Games in Canada. It was great to be in their orbit and to see the continuing connection to their community."
Wing Commander Scholten also deeply valued the sport's role in developing leadership and administrative skills.
"Apart from the incredible rewards of the physical challenge, even administrative and other responsibilities translate directly to Air Force duties," he said.
"Joining in on committee duties at all levels has been rewarding - these tasks mirror the organisational demands of service life. They build skills, networks and friendships that our younger aviators can apply in their careers, fostering collaborative accountability."
With such tangible benefits, Wing Commander Scholten encourages aviators to consider Nordic biathlon.
"Spring and summer training is opening now for the 2026 season - including laser marksmanship training, roller skiing and other development opportunities," he said.
"It's an amazing activity, completely unlike anything you've tried before. It makes you a better athlete and service member, imparting lifelong military skills, friendships and resilience.
"All we need is good snow," he said.
"As a team, we make the rest happen."
