Biathlon is usually referred for describing any sporting event which is a combination of two sport disciplines, and is specifically used to describe winter sports . A combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting is the most well known form of winter biathlon . Another popular mode of summer biathlon is the combination of cross-country running and rifle-shooting. Biathlon is a very popular form of winter game all over Europe and America, as winter sport activities are a major source of recreation in these continents.
Biathlon owes its origin to the Norwegian soldiers. A biathlete has to ski around a cross-country track with a rifle set over a fixed distance to a shooting range. The total distance is broken down into small shooting rounds, half in prone position and half of it in standing position. The shooting performance in the biathlon decides if additional time or distance can be added to the contestant's total skiing distance or time. The winner of the contest is one who completes the marked distance in the shortest time. In each shooting round, the biathlete has to hit five targets. Penalties are accessed for the missed shots and also depend on the format of the competition. Biathlon can include all the cross-country skiing techniques along with shooting skills. Biathlon requires some good reflex actions combining strength, speed, accuracy, concentration and a steady hand. The major biathlon competitions include Biathlon Olympic Games, Biathlon World Championships and Biathlon World Cup. Biathlon is the most widely televised sport event in European nations.
