Biathlon

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Biathlon

By Tania Navarro posted on 18 October 2009 | Reading time: 4 Minutes | Last update 07 July 2011

Article

Biathlon combines two major sports: archery and cross-country skiing. But do you know the origins of this unique combination?

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Biathlon is a combined sport that blends cross-country skiing with archery. Its origins trace back to ancient hunters who pursued prey using skis and weapons. Over time, the skills of skiing and weaponry endured, thanks to warriors defending their territories.

Prehistoric humans already used skis and weapons. Cave paintings from 3000 BC depict men with bows and arrows gliding on primitive skis. Ski hunting was practised in Northern Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. In China, hunting was done on horseback rather than skis.

During the Middle Ages, this practice evolved into a traditional competition and eventually a sport. Ski-mounted soldiers were part of Scandinavia’s military, as well as in Russia, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland until the late 19th century. The sport’s ties to national defence persist today—most male World Cup competitors are affiliated with their countries’ armed forces.

In 1776, Norway hosted the first competition combining rifles and skis. Similar events continued intermittently until 1818. Germany held the first military patrol race in 1902, while Norway’s inaugural team event took place in 1912. Individual competitions involved ten shots split into two series (resembling today’s World Cup sprint event for men).

Biathlon debuted at the Olympic Games in 1924 in Chamonix as a demonstration sport (patrol race). It reappeared under the same status in 1928, 1936, and 1948.

It wasn’t until the 1960 Squaw Valley Olympics (USA) that biathlon became an official Olympic event. During the 44th IOC Session in Rome, Sweden proposed a men’s 20km race—the first official Olympic competition.

Prior to this, the inaugural World Championships were held in Saalfelden (Austria) with 25 athletes from seven nations racing the same distance. Initially, biathlon fell under the UIPMB (International Modern Pentathlon and Biathlon Union).

From 1960 onward, biathlon underwent major changes. The 1977-1978 season introduced a smaller rifle calibre. Modern technology revolutionised target systems, and the skating technique in cross-country skiing—replacing classic style—dramatically increased speeds.

Today, biathlon is governed by the IBU (International Biathlon Union), founded in 1993 in London after splitting from the UIPMB. The IBU oversees regulations worldwide, with 57 member nations.

Since its Winter Olympics debut, biathlon has transformed significantly. Women’s events were added in 1992 (Albertville). Recent seasons introduced two new formats: pursuit and mass start races for both genders.