12/16/2025
When we protect our athletes, we protect Biathlon.
Combining the polarities of power and precision, biathletes need endurance and fine motor skills to transition from cross-country skiing to stop-to-shoot targets. Whether skating laps, getting in the prone position, or standing still, biathlons demand high physical and mental strength. Athletes hope they have zeroed their rifles and turned the right amount of clicks before the start to set them up for shooting clean during the race. Wax those skis, apply your face tape and sunscreen, check the wind flags, avoid those penalties, and cross that finish line! When we protect our biathletes, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Biathlon Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Biathlon has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Biathlon is an extreme sport and has a high risk and rate of injuries. Injured athletes may be especially vulnerable to abuse or exploitation when dependent on those in power to make treatment and return-to-sport decisions. Inadequate injury prevention and treatment protocols may be signs of neglect in the sporting environment.
- In biathlon, there is often pressure to increase the extremity of skills, which may place athletes at risk of injury or even death, especially if they do not understand all of the risks. Minor athletes in particular may not be able to fully understand and consent to risk and danger.
- Biathletes may place a high level of trust in their coaches. This could lead to psychological dependence and/or blurred boundaries in the coach-athlete relationship.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
12/13/2024
Olympic officials put coach on leave after AP reports sexual abuse allegations
12/10/2024
US Biathlon officials ignored sexual harassment and abuse of female racers for decades, athletes say
12/3/2024
US biathletes fear retaliation for speaking out about sexual harassment, report finds
10/18/2026
Youth Sports Families Allege Travel Company Threatened Their Kids' Playing Status If They Didn't Pay Lodging Fees
10/15/2026
Athletic trainer at San Jose school accused of sexual battery of student
10/14/2026
Details emerge on police raid of ex-Kempsville High School athletic director’s home
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
Biathlon Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety, Mental Health, and Safeguarding within Biathlon.
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How to set up exciting and creative training sessions?
Safeguarding
Ideas and tips for biathlon drill safety.
Hydration for Endurance Athletes
Physical Safety
Learn why staying hydrated while exercising matters.
Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs)
Physical Safety
Gain an understanding of REDs, symptoms and causes of REDs, and prevention.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
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