U.S. Biathletes Head Home From Finland After Travel Ban

Minutes after President Trump announced a European travel ban last night, USA Biathlon CEO Max Cobb immediately started booking urgent flights home from Finland for eight American biathletes there. They were woken up at 3:00am local time to make a 5:40am flight home. The IBU World Cup’s eight-tour stop is to start today in Kontiolahti, but the surprise travel ban -- at least as originally announced by President Trump -- would keep the athletes there for 30 days at least. They decided the competition was not worth that risk. However, while Cobb was working with airlines, the Dept of Homeland Security clarified that the ban would not affect U.S. citizens, a point not made clear in the speech. Cobb stood behind his quick decision. “The President said no more travel from Europe to the USA ... and after Friday they would be required to quarantine for 14 days, best to be home!” All of the athletes made their flight. The ban will be effective at 12:00am ET tomorrow.