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But among the sea of uniforms at Paris 2024, one sport stands out where the athletes appear to have stepped out of a time machine: rifle shooting.
Not just the air guns, which many competitors personalize with an array of colors and decals, but the suits donned by the shooters are also a sight to behold. Their defining characteristic is their significant weight, engineered to provide support to the athlete’s body, enhance posture, and minimize body movements. This aids in stabilizing the aim and augmenting precision. Additionally, the suits come with reinforcements and protections, strategically positioned on the lower back, knees, and elbows, to prevent injuries that could be caused by the rifle’s weight, which hovers around 4/5 kg.
If the unusual aesthetics coupled with these features don’t sufficiently highlight the distinctiveness of the rifle suits, consider this: a special tool, akin to a wrench, is required to open and close the jacket. This tool is then tucked away in a pocket of the jacket.
Contrary to what one might infer from the videos, the suits are designed to allow the shooters to walk normally. To ensure this, the suits undergo a thorough check by the judges before each match.
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Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.