AP Global Investigations correspondent Martha Bellisle, who has been racing biathlon for almost a decade and follows the sport closely, first became aware of problems with U.S. Biathlon and Joanne Reid when Reid was not named to the World Cup team for the 2023–24 racing season. She learned about sexual harassment claims last fall through others involved in the sport.
Bellisle landed an exclusive interview with Reid, who served as the gateway to other sources. She also scoured a confidential SafeSport report and interviewed numerous officials, as well as one of the accused.
Working with Top Stories Hub editor Mary Sedor, Bellisle produced an exclusive story that widely resonated with customers around the world and caught the attention of biathlon enthusiasts who called for accountability in the sport.