For the Men and Women of Mystery: Biathlon.
February 9, 2014
With European military roots, the biathlon events include team relays along with individual races with a variety of lengths and formats, all requiring the combination of cross-country skiing and target shooting. Norway, Russia and Germany are typical favorites in this event, but Team U.S.A. is hoping to earn its first-ever medal in Sochi.
On the men’s side, French superstar Martin Fourcade is a heavy favorite in multiple events. However, Norwegian Ole Einar “The Cannibal” Bjoerndalen is looking to add a twelfth medal to his collection at what will probably be his last games. The American men have a chance to make the podium in the individual event.
For the women, the front-runner is Norway’s Tora Berger. She won gold in 2010 and has improved since then, racking up multiple medals in World Championship competitions. Team USA doesn’t have a strong chance to medal, but look for a lot of conversation around Lanny Barnes, whose twin sister Tracy gave up her spot to get her younger sister to Sochi.
Katie Wieser is a fourth-year student working on her B.A. in Economics and is proud to serve as The Observer’s Executive Editor this year. She has previously...
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