Biathlon

Biathlon is a competitive winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Athletes compete in a race format, skiing over a set distance while making periodic stops to shoot at targets with a rifle. The sport requires both physical endurance and precision, as athletes must transition from skiing, which demands cardiovascular strength and speed, to shooting, which requires steady hand-eye coordination and control to hit the targets. Penalties are incurred for missed shots, typically resulting in extra distance added to the ski course or additional time added to the athlete’s total time. Biathlon is featured in the Winter Olympic Games and is governed by the International Biathlon Union (IBU).