(Olympic) biathlon safety?

[Rightylefty]

Can anyone with biathlon experience explain what safety procedures are in place during events? It looks like competitors carrying rifles in slings bend double in fatigue and as part of skiiing technique, fall down in the snow, sometimes load extra bullets and are often in oxygen debt. How does no one get shot accidentally in this sport? I've heard of people getting hit with thrown javelins but never of anyone getting shot in biathlon...

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[Nosferatu]

Rifles don't get loaded until they are on the firing line and mags only hold 5 rounds each. They are empty for the skiing portion of the event.

 

[Certaindeaf]

Little known fact.. before every biathlon between 7-15 ice graves are dug and at the ready for the inevitable casualties during each and every race. Just goes with the territory.













not really

 

[that guy]

Some cool insight here. Would love to watch more of this sport. Nordic skiing is brutal!

Biathlon Rifles: A Very Specialized Firearm

 

[gryghin]

Is there a club here in Oregon?

 

[v0lcom13sn0w]

Little known fact.. before every biathlon between 7-15 ice graves are dug and at the ready for the inevitable casualties during each and every race. Just goes with the territory.













not really

 

[BillM]

Well trained, safety conscious, guns are not loaded until they are on the firing line.

Shooting has been a part of the Games since the first modern one in 1896. So far I've found
ZERO shooting related "incidents". (No, Munich doesn't count)

Kind of interesting. 5 shooting events in 1896. One was 200 meter Military Rifle.
Todays IOC would would probably wet their panties at the mention of it.

 

[kmk1012]

Is there a club here in Oregon?

I just got my daughter started in a junior shooting league at Four Corners Rod and Gun Club. They use Olympic rifles and shooting distances. we just went to watch a practice last night and now she is very excited to start this Saturday.