Thanks to on-demand viewing, I’ve watched all of the biathlon competition at the Winter Olympics, except for the relays, which I’ll catch up to this weekend.
There have been some outstanding performances. Norwegian Ole Bjorndalen medaled twice and became the most decorated winter athlete in history. Martin Fourcade of France nabbed two golds and a silver (losing the mass start race in a photo finish to a prematurely celebrating Norwegian).
But the women! Ah, the women. Darya Domracheva of Belarus was absolutely dominant, taking three gold medals. She shot extremely well and just crushed her opponents with her skiing, which was so fluid and light-footed that a Norwegian competitor likened it to dancing on the snow. Gabriela Soukalova of the Czech Republic nabbed a silver behind Domracheva in the 12.5 k Mass Start, which is to my way of thinking the most exciting of all the races. The biathletes all start together and they are skiing and shooting head-to-head, unlike some of the races where they start at intervals and thus are competing on the clock.
Both Domracheva and Soukalova had one miss out of 20 shots on the grueling 12.5 k course, which is pretty remarkable. It came down to a ski race and Domracheva was uncatchable this week.
Being, y’know, a GUY, I did not miss the fact that these are not only badass athletes — they are also beauties. Apparently that has not escaped notice elsewhere. Someone has graced us with glamour shots — with rifles. Beautiful, badass biathletes — proof that god loves us and wants us to be happy.
Darya Domracheva in action.
Darya Domracheva — champion.
Gabriela Soukalova in action.
Gabriela Soukalova — Silver Medalist, Czech Republic.
John C. says
Jim,
I disagree with the “badass” caricaturization, because they all seemed to have rather remarkable asses. Maybe “greatass” would be more appropriate.
John
JimC says
And ruin all that nice alliteration? Perish the thought.
John Cornelius says
Greatass, gunning gals of Sochi. There is your alliteration alternative.
Eccentric Cowboy says
Few things please me more in this modern age than seeing women of all ages being comfortable and competent with firearms and actively enjoying them.
Now THAT is what I call progressive! 😀
I can only hope that it becomes the new rage for ladies to head out to the range, carrying handguns on their person and out in the field collecting game. I know some are doing this, but the more the merrier. 😉
JimC says
EC:
100 percent agree. My daughter is very much a girl — but she’s also a very good shot and is learning to be a good Alpine skier and outdoorswoman. The more the merrier indeed.
Paul McNamee says
Hot damn!
Pete says
Amen; Awomen; And Glory F-ing Hallelujah!
Sergio Correa de Siqueira says
Great site, mate. Splendid eye candy – as you yanks say. (Yanks is on purpose; I’ve learned my English in England).
I loved your critiques and advice, but may I suggest a “search” button? Things here are very interesting, albeit a bit chaotic.
Greetings from Brazil and keep up the good work.
Best regards,
Sérgio.
JimC says
Sergio:
Request accepted and will be acted upon.
Jim