Olympic Biathletes Tracy and Lanny Barnes

by
posted on October 31, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
barnes1.jpg
Shooting accurately at targets while in a still position can be difficult. Add skiing at top speeds to get to the shooting area, then dropping into the prone position or taking a knee, and you get the sport of biathlon. You may think you’re seeing the same woman compete twice if you tune in to watch International biathlon matches, because both of the Barnes twins from Colorado often make the top cuts in world cup competitions. These two identical twins have been competing on an international level in biathlon for many years. 

null
Lanny Barnes shooting the 5-Stand stage at the 2016 NRA World Shooting Championship.
Sponsored by Advanced Technology International (ATI), Otis Technology and Smith Elite, the women shoot .22-caliber biathlon-style rifles, with barreled actions by Anschütz and customized stocks. Because of the nature of the competition, the women’s range bags are Adidas backpacks. And what do they pack in their bags?

  • Extra clothes, sealskinz waterproof socks and gloves
  • Smith Elite Optics shooting glasses for protection and anti-fog characteristics
  • Thermoses with hot chocolate or tea
  • Passports (for doping control issues)
  • Lapua ammunition, made for cold weather shooting
  • Extra magazines, because it is more efficient during training to carry loaded magazines than to stand in the cold loading them
  • Multi-tools, for tightening carrying harnesses
  • Extra firing pins and firing pin changing tools
  • Otis Gun cleaning kits
  • Dermatone (to guard against frost bite)

Learn more about the twin biathletes at www.twinbiathletes.com.

Latest

NRA 2025 SBR 3P 2
NRA 2025 SBR 3P 2

Michael O’Connor Captures 2025 NRA Smallbore Three-Position Title at Cardinal Shooting Center

Michael O’Connor wins 2025 NRA Smallbore Three-Position Championship with 2352-126X, also claiming the NRA Lones Wigger Iron Man Trophy honor.

Brandon Green Makes History as First American to Win King’s Prize at Bisley

Brandon Green becomes the first American to win the historic King’s Prize at Bisley, earning the honor after posting a solid performance at 900 and 1,000 yards.

NRA: The Historic Champion of Competitive Shooting

NRA renews its competitive shooting mission with youth focus, modern programs and expanded national events to grow marksmanship for future generations.

Deena Wigger McDorman Tops 2025 NRA National Smallbore Prone Championship Leaderboard

Deena Wigger McDorman wins 2025 NRA Smallbore Prone Championship at Ohio’s Cardinal Center with a commanding 6397-531X score.

Review: Smith & Wesson Spec Series V M&P 9 Metal HD

Smith & Wesson’s steel-framed Spec Series V M&P 9 Metal HD brings competition-grade upgrades to the popular striker-fired platform.

Built For The Big Stage: Joseph Fanizzi

Joseph Fanizzi, youngest NSCA National Champ, chases sporting-clays greatness with podium finishes and a passion for growing the sport.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.