The 2014 winter Olympics are here! So, what is a biathlon?

 

One of the most unique games being played at this year 2014 winter Olympics in Sochi Russia is the biathlon! Some people may wonder, what exactly is a biathlon? Well this extraordinary sport is a combination between cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.

This event is a 10km sprint for men and a 7.5km sprint for women.  The shooting distance is 50m away,   for each shooting round, the biathlete must hit five targets; each missed target must be “penalized” for from one of three ways, depending on the competition format, the penalty may be skiing around a 150 meter penalty loop, by having one minute added to a skier's total time, or by having to use an "extra cartridge" to finish off the target. According to www.biathlonworld.com the clock never stops, not even when the biathletes are shooting.

Some people might wonder how skiing and shooting might be connectable,  the biathlon was originated from Scandinavia the sport actually grew out of hunting and military practices that where in use for centuries. According to www.sochi2014.com   America's team will  have  10 biathletes competing and hopefully one of these Olympians will take home the gold and help represent America to the best of their ability!  

Overall, the biathlon is a very unique sport that many people may not know. Know hopefully as the Olympics progress American citizens may look forward to viewing this extraordinary sport.