How a Deadly Military Tradition Fuels the Untold Drama Behind Olympic Biathlon Champions
The discipline needed to be a professional athlete fits well with the structure needed to be a soldier with the Army, he said.
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“I would also say that the military provides a counterpoint to the small world of elite sport — getting you out of your comfort zone a bit,” he said. “It is a powerful thing knowing you have so much support behind you, and support that goes beyond just your racing career, allows you to commit fully to performing at your best.”
Many European biathletes are connected to the military or law enforcement
It’s not just an American thing. Gold medalists Lou Jeanmonnot and Éric Perrot both hold the rank of sergeant with the French Army. Lisa Vittozzi, who secured Italy’s first Olympic gold medal in the sport by winning the pursuit on Sunday, is a member of the Italian Army sports group Centro Sportivo Esercito. Italy supports its top athletes through prestigious military sports bodies.



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