From ESPN, you're listening to 30 for 30 podcasts. My name is Jody Avergan.

In the summer of 1984, Carrie Swenson was a rising talent in the relatively obscure sport of biathlon.

Biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing and target shooting.

It takes a special athlete to excel at both, and Carrie was one of the best in the world.

I want you to meet Carrie Swenson.

America's finest female biathlet.

On a routine training run, Carrie's path suddenly forked in the mountains of southwestern Montana.

18 hours changed her life forever.

This story takes a look at the long road of recovery,

35 years later after her story disappeared from public view.

This episode is reported by Bonnie Ford.

She covers the Olympics and international sports for ESPN.

Now one last thing before we start,

this is an episode about an act of violence

and its traumatic fallout, so please be advised.

And now, out of the woods.

Thank you. And now, out of the woods. Breathing is very important in biathlon. And Some people take more breaths between shots.

When I was skiing and competing, I would do one big breath, deep breath, and then you settle in on your shot and then pull the trigger.

Carrie Swenson is taking a few practice shots on a biathlon range outside Bozeman, Montana,

and her muscle memory is kicking in.

There is a stand of evergreen trees behind her, and beyond them are snow-covered slopes and peaks.

Her body language is focused but relaxed.

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