Biathlon

Biathlon is a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting. Athletes ski a set course in laps and stop at shooting ranges in prone and standing positions to hit five targets each time. For every missed target, they serve a penalty—usually a 150 m penalty loop or a one-minute time add. Races range from short sprints to pursuits, mass starts, relays, and the mixed relay. The challenge is balancing high-intensity skiing with calm, precise shooting under fatigue and pressure.