What 2 Events Comprise The Biathlon?

Are you wondering what 2 events comprise the biathlon? The biathlon is a winter Olympic event which combines cross-country skiing with target shooting. The biathlon has grown in popularity over the years and is known for its diverse challenges.

In a biathlon, competitors have to ski a certain amount with a small rifle tied to their back. After skiing a marked distance, they approach the targets where they must stop and assemble their rifles for shooting. Each competitor has one shot at five different targets; the targets are 50 meters away. Each shooter is required to be in the prone position in order to shoot. For each target that the shooter misses, a time penalty is given.

After the five shots, the skiers disassemble their rifles and start to ski around the loop. The second time they approach the shooting range, they are allowed to be in a standing position. The biathlon continues until each skier has successfully completed four laps around the track.

The history of this sport begins back in the 1600s, as hunters used a combination of skiing and shooting techniques to hunt their prey. In the 1800s, Norway trained its combatants with this type of training. The sport was first seen in the World Championships in Austria in 1958. The 1960 Winter Olympic games marked the first time the biathlon was an Olympic event.

Over time the biathlon has grown in popularity. Because the sport requires an odd combination of specific talents, the event is quite a challenge and tests a competitors endurance and skill. The events have grown over the years and now include relays and specific events for both men and women. In the 2010 Winter Olympics there were ten biathlon events.

Resources:

Official Website of the Olympic Movement