Though there are several variations of Biathlon, the two most important that needs special mention comprises of archery biathlon (ski archery)which has recurve bow replacing the rifle, and the summer biathlon, where skiing is replaced with the cross country run. Roller-ski biathlon, mountain bike biathlon and orienteering biathlon are some of the other events that are a part of the summer Olympics. It is also interesting to mention that Primitive Biathlon uses snowshoes and muzzle loaders.
The exact origin of Biathlon is untraceable and shrouded in mystery. However survey reports and records show some of the rock carvings of Norway giving some hint about the game. It dates back to 4000 years ago and comprises of an ancient depiction. The depiction showing two men on skis stalking animals reveals the existence of this age old sport. Again some other records also spill out an interesting information that it all began during an exercise regimen of the Norwegian soldiers. Now though it is an established fact that the game of Biathlon got to enter the Olympics in the year 1960, the first known competition actually took place in 1767 during the competition of border patrol companies. As the years rolled on, the sport became more common throughout Scandinavia and achieved the status of an alternative military training. It is amazing to know that Trysil Rifle and Ski Club are the world’s first known ski clubs, founded in Norway in the year 1861.
Some of the characteristics of the game comprises of a simple race, where the contestants have to ski around a cross-country track. The total distance of the scheduled race is actually broken up by two or four shooting rounds, half in inclined position, the other half in standing position. Depending on the shooting performance, only if it is needed then extra distance or time is added to the participant's total running distance/time. The participant who has the shortest total time is the clear winner of the contest. Large display screens within the biathlon arenas, as well as the information graphics shown, that lists the names of the fastest contestant are available at each intermediate point. For each shooting round, five targets are needed to be hit and each of the missed target must be compensated in one of three ways, depending on the procedure of the competition:
- by making a skiing round in a 150 m penalty loop
- by having a minute added to an individual's total skiing time
- by having to use an "extra cartridge" to finish off the target; only three such "extras" are available for each round.
olympicgamesforall.com informs you about Biathlon, for more information on other aspects of Olympics, do keep browsing the pages !
|
