TURIN: Figure skater Stefan Lindemann has never been mentioned in despatches, but no-one can doubt his courage.

After all, there can't be many grizzled soldiers who are just as comfortable throwing on sequins and chiffon as they are donning khaki and handling a rifle.

But in the sports crazy environment of the German army, no-one bats an eyelid.

Germany's military sports division has contributed a host of competitors to the Turin Games.

Lindemann, a world championship bronze medallist in 2004, could only finish in 21st place, but he is happy to voice the virtues of a military career.

"I'm just a regular soldier," the 25-year-old is keen to stress.

Kati Wilhelm has added the 10km biathlon gold to her two titles from Salt Lake City in 2002.

"The wages in the army, the care and the necessary time afforded for intensive training have all contributed to my success," said the 29-year-old, now in her 11th year as a soldier.

Matthias Bleyer, a pairs skater, has been a German soldier for eight years.

"The Army is a great sponsor," Bleyer said. "We do our fighting on the ice for Germany."

Germany has reaped a host of medals courtesy of military sports systems pioneered under the old Communist regime of the east.

Bobsleigh winners Sandra Kiriasis and Anja Schneiderheinze, an army medical orderly and border guard respectively, both grew up in the east and having the comfort blanket eases the financial burden of competition.

"It's an expensive sport," said German bobsleigh coach Wolfgang Hoppe. "You need about 20,000 euros to start."

Russia can point to army captain Svetlana Ishmouratova, the 15km biathlon individual gold medal winner.

"Wearing the Russian colours is an achievement because our national team is so strong," said the 33-year-old. "You feel a lot of responsibility on your shoulders."

Ishmouratova uses military history to spur her on through her gruelling ordeals.

"I quote an old war-time saying: 'It's Moscow behind us and we have no right to retreat.'"

Sport saved American bobsleigh athlete Shauna Rohbock, a member of the National Guard, from a daunting tour of duty in Iraq.

She was called-up for basic training, but a torn shoulder muscle ruled her out of active duty.

Two years later, Rohbock was standing on the podium here as an Olympic silver-medallist alongside brakeman Valerie Fleming.

"Everyone has their problems and mine was almost going to Iraq," she said.

"It's amazing to be here as a soldier and as a civilian as well. I just hope it lifts the spirits of the soldiers out there."

The French have a sizable military make-up with 16 of their team in the forces.

"The mission of these soldiers is to win medals," said Jean-Paul Michel, the country's military sports commissioner.

The French army's Florence Baverel-Robert delivered with gold in the women's 7.5km biathlon.

French sports soldiers even underwent commando training before the Games.

"It allows the team to measure courage, tenacity and team spirit," said General Michel.

Source: China Daily