No more shots in biathlon

The fear is spreading. And of course it's once again about changes that we're always afraid of. Habit is a treasured commodity; any deviation is quickly seen as a catastrophe, even a revolution. The sport of biathlon, which is now the number one winter sport popular with the public in some countries, is in danger of being cut short. At least that's how you could interpret the many reports that are currently racing through the media world at almost the speed of light. Which brings us almost to the topic, because it's about rifles that aim lasers at the targets used in biathlon. The European Chemicals Authority, a counterpart to the cucumber authority, which put an end to the curvature of the cucumber with a cucumber curvature regulation, declared that in the future lead must be avoided in the ammunition currently used. Is good advice now expensive? No more cartridges for the small-caliber rifle, no more shots that echo loudly through the stadiums and trigger hits that are then euphorically accompanied by vocals? Biathlon, the silent sport? Make friends. On the one hand, a possible ban is now being discussed in several committees of the European Union. And that's some good news, because experience shows that such meetings take a long time. Scientific results are not expected to be transmitted to the EU Commission until the beginning of next year. That's the second bit of good news, because only then can you even think about making a decision. In addition, the hour has come for the lobbyists, of whom there are legions in Brussels. The biathletes are certainly supported first by the anglers, whose baits are weighted with lead, because lead has a high density and therefore even small weights sink into the depths quite quickly. The discussion about the ban started three years ago. Alternatives are available So there is still time to think about alternatives, because the lead ban will come at some point this century. You should be clear about this. Not tomorrow, not the day after, but one day a European Commission will even come to a decision. In the case of the much-quoted cucumbers, they ultimately managed to correct the curvature. The anglers have already found alternatives. You can use tungsten instead of lead. The shiny white heavy metal has an even higher density. Of course, it is more expensive than lead and is also a so-called conflict resource because its mining in developing countries is associated with corruption, human rights violations and money laundering. Biathletes actually have it easier because they can convert their small-caliber rifles from one day to the next so that they can then shoot at the targets with lasers. And to appease everyone who is extremely worried about the good atmosphere in the stadium: Things would continue to be loud, because with every shot there is a bang, as before, and with every hit the target falls, so that it is visually different Viewed from the stands there is no difference to a shot with a cartridge from the magazine. Even the process for the athletes would remain the same. You have to repeat like before. Only the recoil remains. Many things would even be easier than before. The different gun laws in many countries would become ineffective. The rifle is no longer a weapon in the traditional sense because no lethal ammunition is used. Into the new year without lead The many advantages are of course also offset by disadvantages. The competition could only take place if the weather was really good. Snowfall, which could still occur every now and then in winter despite climate change, would be an obstacle, just as fog would of course put an end to the laser. But this is also offset by massive savings. Ammunition is no longer necessary. With 10.000 shots, 4000 euros are quickly lost. Conversely, this would also mean that young talent's work with the laser system would be significantly more cost-effective, especially since there would then no longer be a switch from air rifles to small-caliber rifles, as is still common in some countries. I know that at the moment no one in the biathlon camp can accept such a change, which could probably be described as a small revolution. But the deadline will expire at some point. For five years there have been no utensils for the traditional lead casting on New Year's Eve. Watercolor boxes, colored pencils and finger paints have also long been subject to an EU regulation. Coloring books still exist and this time it will be the same as it has been so many times in history. Life still goes on after every revolution. That's why I'm not worried about biathlon. And if all else fails, you could also shoot with a bow and arrow if necessary. This is no joke, because people actually seriously thought about it a few years ago and even carried out a test. Luckily the result wasn't a direct hit. To the author: Sigi Heinrich The renowned sports journalist, author and award-winning Eurosport commentator (including winner of the German Television Prize and the Bavarian Sports Prize) not only dedicates his column “Sigi's Spitze” to the entire diversity of sport. He also deals with topics outside of his usual profession. Sometimes very seriously, often with a mischievous wink and sometimes deliberately provocative. There should be something for everyone.

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No more shots in biathlon

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