Biathlon is a winter sport that combines two disciplines: cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Athletes compete in a race format where they ski a specified distance and stop at shooting ranges to shoot at targets. The shooting portion typically features both prone and standing positions, and competitors must hit a certain number of targets to avoid penalty laps or extra time added to their overall race time. Biathlon requires a unique blend of endurance, speed, mental focus, and precision, as athletes must manage their breathing and heart rate after intense skiing when taking their shots. The sport is featured prominently in the Winter Olympic Games and is governed by the International Biathlon Union (IBU).
The French biathlon team dominated the competition, with Julia Simon claiming gold in the individual event through a near-perfect performance, shooting 19 out of 20 targets. Lou Jeanmonnot added to…