Biathlon

Biathlon combines two very different challenges: cross-country skiing and target shooting. Athletes race over snowy hills with a small rifle secured on their backs. At the shooting range, they must quickly slow their breathing, aim at tiny targets, and shoot accurately. Then they set off on their skis again.

How a Race Works

Biathletes ski several loops around a course and stop at the range between loops. At each visit, they shoot at five targets. Some rounds are fired while lying flat, called the prone position. Others are fired while standing. Hitting every target matters because a miss brings a penalty.

The penalty depends on the event. An athlete may have to ski an extra loop or have time added to the result. Relay racers may use a few spare rounds before skiing a penalty loop. The winner is decided by skiing time plus any penalties, so both speed and accuracy count.

Skills and Safety

Cross-country skiing uses the whole body. Racers need strong legs, arms, hearts, and lungs. Shooting requires balance and calm concentration. After racing uphill, a biathlete's heart may be beating very fast. Athletes practice breathing steadily so the rifle moves as little as possible.

Rifles are used only under strict safety rules. Athletes carry them unloaded and pointing upward while skiing. At the range, officials supervise where and when they may be loaded and fired. Young athletes often learn with special training equipment and close coaching.

From Survival Skill to Sport

People in snowy regions have traveled on skis and hunted for centuries. Later, soldiers in northern Europe practiced skiing and shooting together. Modern biathlon grew from these skills. A men's biathlon event joined the Winter Olympics in 1960, and women's events joined in 1992. Today, competitors from many countries take part in sprints, individual races, pursuits, mass starts, and relays.

Did You Know?

The targets look different depending on the shooting position. The scoring circle is much smaller for prone shooting than for standing shooting.