Biathlete Alex Almoukov visits Dubbo as part of Olympics Unleashed

Alex Almoukov, Australia's greatest biathlete, was at Dubbo College South Campus and spoke to students as part of the Olympics Unleashed program.

Designed to motivate and inspire, the program allows students the chance to hear from those who have competed at the top level as they discuss what's needed to reach that summit.

It's something Almoukov, who competed at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympic Games, is proud to be a part of.

"It's a great initiative ... and it's been a pleasure because I started in a rural town and didn't have a lot of support and I didn't know people from rural towns could make it to a high standard and go to the Olympic Games, for example," he said.

"It's good to travel and go to these towns and schools where they might not have as much support or understanding about if they can make it to the Olympic Games in the future.

"It's a pleasure to tell my story and show anything is possible if you put in the work and are disciplined."

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Almoukov knows better than most how difficult it can be to reach the top.

Not only did he start in a regional area in the state's south, he was also part of a sport with that had little resources and attention in Australia.

Biathlon combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting and the Russian-born Almoukov had to sacrifice plenty to reach the top.

He went on to compete at the Winter Olympics in both Vancouver and Sochi and it was in Russia where he achieved his best result.

Almoukov finished in 45^th spot overall there, which is still the best result by any Australian biathlete.

Another career highlight was winning bronze at a pursuit event at the 2013 Winter Universiade in Italy.

"It's pretty difficult to be a winter sport athlete i Australia but it's great that there's a few of us who are travelling [through this program] and explaining that it is possible as long as yo put in the effort," he said.

"One key message is to take opportunities when they present themselves.

"A lot I took were scary at the time and I almost didn't take them but I was very fortunate to gain the courage to do it and it changed the direction of my life entirely."

Almoukov, who moved to Australia with his family when he was seven, was a talented cross-country skier when he was young but it was only when he was roughly 20 years of age he took up biathlon.

He knew nothing about shooting but took on the challenge and didn't look back, reaching the pinnacle and wearing the Australian colours at the Olympics twice.