The biathlon, a combination of cross-country skiing
and rifle marksmanship, was included in the Squaw Valley
program, marking the first time the event had ever
been held in an Olympic Winter Games. Biathlon is most
popular in the Scandinavian countries, and is held in other
European nations as well.
Capt. Rolf Gerlofson, technical delegate appointed by
the U.I.P.M., first surveyed for a suitable location as
early as March, 1957. The biathlon ranges were completed
in the summer of 1958, and final refinements were
made the following summer.
The biathlon course was part of the network of courses
used for all cross-country races at McKinney Creek. The
firing ranges were located at the following points on the
20-kilometer course: 6.5 km—200 meter range; 9.5 km—
250 meter range; 12.5 km—150 meter range; and 15
km—100 meter range. Each range had 15 pull-type targets
with five relays, which permitted up to 75 competitors to
fire.
Since there was no record of pull targets being used
in previous biathlon competition, it was necessary to
design and construct a workable system. A simple "sleeve
and plunger" system was devised, enabling Chief of Race
Birger Torrissen and his crews to raise and lower targets
when changing them. Thus, the target could be changed
and the results relayed to the scorekeeper immediately
after each competitor completed his five rounds of firing.
Results Reach Spectators Quickly
Each range had communications lines between the pits
and firing line, as well as into the Timing Building in the
stadium area. During the competition, the hits of each
competitor were phoned to the stadium area, where it
was announced to the spectators and posted on the scoreboard.
A practice firing range was available in the Squaw Valley-
Deer Park area. Also, the 250-meter range that was
used in actual competition was made available for practice.
The four-man crew that built the ranges was retained
as preparation crew during and prior to the competition.
This was advantageous, as they were familiar with the
design and construction of the ranges and trails. This
facilitated preparation of the ranges.
The permanent crew was supplemented by military
personnel for the competition. Actually, the military personnel,
consisting of four 20-man teams, began conditioning
the shooting stations three weeks prior to the
competition.
Each 20-man team was supervised by a non-commissioned
officer from the United States Air Force Rifle
School. Because of their background, these men had a
greater interest in the biathlon competition than others
would have had.
There was a first aid station at each firing range, and
ski patrol personnel also manned the course. Fortunately,
there were no accidents during the running of the biathlon
competition.
Nine nations entered a total of 30 athletes in the
biathlon. Because of the warm weather, the competitors
were permitted to start at intervals of one minute rather
than the usual two.
The winner of the event was Klas I. Lestander of
Sweden, whose total time was 1:33:21.6, with no penalty
for lack of perfection in riflery. Second place went to
Antti Tyrvainen of Finland, whose skiing time was faster
than Lestander's at 1:29:57.7. However, he was penalized
four minutes in rifle marksmanship, and his adjusted time
was 1:33:57.7. Athletes from Russia took third, fourth,
fifth and sixth place. All four raced faster than Lestander,
but were penalized for inaccuracy in shooting.
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SQUAW VALLEY 1960 (Figure Skating)by thofyrv33,082 views
biathlon debut at the Olympic winter games and the first gold for Sweden!
olimpsportas 6 months ago
last biathlon i dont think so
ElectricJellyDonut 8 months ago
The presentation of the sport has improved dramatically since those days!
DHTCF 8 months ago
I would like to see more footage of this event form the 60's.
minibill73 1 year ago