A Celebration on Ice and Snow, Beijing 2022: Biathlon

Biathlon originated in Scandinavia based on traditional hunting skills. It has evolved into a sport combining skiing and shooting skills.

The competition venue for biathlon consists of a central stadium area and a surrounding ski track network. The stadium area usually includes a start area, a fnish area, a shooting range, a penalty loop and a relay exchange zone. The ski tracks should be fat with natural undulations on the terrain. Long, steep climbs and tough descents should be avoided. Athletes use skiing equipment and a 5.6mm small-bore rife.

During the competition, athletes need to wear helmets made of lightweight materials. Competitors are required to stay within the course and proceed in a certain order. They shoot in both standing and prone (horizontal) positions after skiing a certain distance.

Biathlon is an intense and challenging event because athletes must excel at both skiing and shooting. The shooting range is usually located near the start and finish areas.

Athletes need to adjust their equipment and prepare the small-bore rife when they arrive at the shooting range. Athletes shoot at a target from a distance of 50 metres in either the standing or prone position. For every set of five targets, only five bullets are available.

However, in the relay competition, three spare bullets are available. If targets remain standing after all shots are fired, a time penalty or penalty loop is imposed on the athlete. In the individual competition, for each missed target, a fxed penalty time (usually one minute) is added to the time. In the sprint, pursuit and mass start competitions, each missed target results in a penalty loop.

In the relay competition, if there are still misses after the spare bullets, one penalty loop must be taken for each missed target remaining. The penalty loop is 150 metres in length and located next to the shooting range. The competitor with the shortest time wins. Total time is calculated by adding skiing time, penalty time for shooting and extra penalty time. Biathlon combines the power and aggression of skiing with the precision and calm of shooting. It is a fun and thrilling event.

Copyright: Guide to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022– A Celebration on Ice and Snow

Photo/Xinhua