Biathlon combines two sports – cross-country skiing and shooting – into one race. The biathlon first made its debut 66 years ago in the 1960 Winter Olympics at the renamed Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Valley near Lake Tahoe. This year, the Winter Olympic biathlon games will be held in Antholz (Anterselva), Italy.

Here is how the Biathlon works, including its rules, scoring and history in the Olympics.

One of the more unique Winter Olympics events is the biathlon, where competitors must strike a balance between speed and precision

Olympic biathletes combine skiing and shooting using .22-caliber rifles. Here’s how the guns work and what athletes must do in the event. (AP)

The 2026 Winter Olympics are underway with more than 80 commentators covering events across an array of NBC platforms. There are 11 biathlon events on the schedule for this year’s games, and we’ve got everything you need to know about the voices bringing you all the action.

From the events to the format, here's everything to know for the biathlon action at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.

ANTERSELVA, Italy (AP) — During the last three Winter Olympics, biathletes had to race at night on icy snow and lighted trails, at venues that had rarely been used, since they were built just for the Games — conditions that made racing more challenging for the athletes.

French biathlon star Julia Simon won 2026 Olympic gold after a theft conviction and commentator Matt Iseman joked she 'won't be buying anything'

A star skier at Vermont, Freed’s interest in the biathlon was primarily fueled by a chance “to do something new.” That initial dabbling didn’t come with Olympic aspirations.