French biathlete Eric Perrot recently changed his rifle without input from his coach, Siegfried Mazet, who focuses on mental preparation rather than technical adjustments.
Perrot switches to new rifle
Eric Perrot, a leading French biathlete, has recently switched to a new rifle, a decision made independently of Siegfried Mazet, the French men's biathlon team's shooting coach.Mazet's role in the decision
Siegfried Mazet stated that he primarily focuses on the mental aspects of shooting, though he has technical skills with rifles. He emphasized that Perrot, being an experienced athlete, knows what sensations he needs to achieve.Mazet's checks on the new rifle
Mazet checks Perrot's comfort and the rifle's reaction at the start of the shot, as well as the consistency of the groupings, to ensure the shooting position is correct and effective.Perrot's autonomy in rifle choice
Perrot believes that the decision to adjust his position or stance with the new rifle is his own, based on his personal sensations and readiness to perform effectively.Rifle manufacturer and adjustments
The new rifle was made by Kiwi Precision, a company founded by former French coach Jean-Pierre Amat, who played an active role in adjusting Perrot's rifle to suit his needs.Perrot's summer rework
Perrot had to revise his preparation protocol this summer, including removing his rifle before reaching the shooting mat, and decided to change his rifle after the Olympic season to better adapt to his new setup.