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.

France dominated the second half of the mixed relay biathlon race at the Milan Cortina Olympics with fast skiing and strong shooting to take gold ahead of Italy and Germany.

The U.S. has medaled in every Winter Olympic sport, except Biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Here's what to know:

See who's behind the mic for biathlon at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The sport of biathlon is experiencing a surge of popularity. Only ice hockey has outperformed biathlon in terms of ticket sales for the 2026 Games in Italy.

French biathlon star Julia Simon earned gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics following her six-month ban for alleged credit card fraud. “I think we’ll all be relieved she can leave her wallet at home,” commentator Matt Iseman joked on Sunday,

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.

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.