Often considered to be the precursor to biathlon, military patrol was one of the more unusual competitions of the first Winter Olympic Games at Chamonix, France in 1924.

In this event, teams from six countries competed in a 30-kilometer ski race combined with a shooting segment that involved balloons. The weather and some unforeseen illnesses made it tough for the competitors, but one did emerge victorious.

Of course, it wouldn't be an Olympics without some colorful characters, and from this competition that includes Vaino Bremmer, the Finnish officer who competed in modern pentathlon in the 1924 Summer Olympics and was known for his aviation exploits.

Sources:

olympics.com

https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/chamonix-1924/results/military-patrol/military-patrol-men

https://olympics.com/en/news/switzerland-land-military-patrol-gold

Olympedia

https://www.olympedia.org/results/1615

Inside the Games

https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1118962/fact-of-the-day-mens-military-patrol

CBC Sports

https://www.cbc.ca/sports/2.722/1924-chamonix-france-1.812439

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

https://en.chamonix.com/espace-pro-presse/1924-les-premiers-jeux-olympiques-d-hiver

For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

***

Keep the Flame Alive: Games History Moment with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown is released monthly. In 2024, these episodes explore the first Winter Olympic Games at Chamonix, France in 1924. Look for our regular episodes every week, with daily editions during the Olympics and Paralympics.

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