US biathletes fear retaliation for speaking out about sexual harassment, report finds

U.S. biathletes face “misogynistic” behavior while racing and fear retaliation if they report their concerns, according to an inquiry by an independent contractor hired to assess athlete safety.

The investigation of U.S. Biathlon was ordered following an Associated Press report that a female team member had been sexually harassed and abused for years while racing on the World Cup circuit.

“It is very uncomfortable as a woman ... to be in that environment," one biathlete said in the report released Monday, which did not identify the athletes to preserve confidentiality.

Many biathletes said they feared if they complained they would be denied training opportunities, financial support and selection for relay teams, according to the assessment by outside auditor Vestry Laight.