Para-Biathlon
Introduction
Biathlon is the exciting winter sport that combines cross country skiing with precision target shooting. Para biathletes are divided into three categories depending on their type of disability: sitting, standing and vision impaired. Para biathletes compete in individual events over short, middle and long distances.
Biathlon debuted at the Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley in 1960, while Paralympic biathlon made its Winter Paralympic debut at Innsbruck 1988. Since then, a total of 95 Paralympic gold medals have been awarded, with Russia heading the overall biathlon medals table.
All images © to Australian Biathlon Association
How to PARTICIPATE IN PARA-Biathlon
Para-biathletes compete in individual events over short, middle and long distances. To play biathlon, for a Sprint event, you ski a loop of (adaptive) cross country skiing, come to a stop at a biathlon range where you take aim at five targets in a row with five shots. Once you have taken your five shots, you leave the range to ski a second loop, then come back for your second group of five shots. After your second shooting bout, you ski a third loop to the finish line. For each missed shot you ski a penalty loop. Other competitions are the Individual (AKA Distance) event with four bouts of shooting and five loops skiied, and the Pursuit. Each of those events has different penalty and shooting rules.
Who can PARTICIPATE IN PARA-Biathlon
classification
Para-biathletes are divided into three categories depending on their type of disability: sitting, standing and vision impaired. For further information see: https://www.paralympic.org/nordic-skiing/classification
Where can you Participate?
AUSTRALIA:
Biathlon Australia
www.biathlon.asn.au
Disabled Winter Sports
https://www.disabledwintersport.com.au/programs-services/para-nordic-skiing/
Resources
Videos
What is Para-Biathlon from International Paralympics Committee
Documents
Australian Para Biathlon Brochure from Australian Biathlon Association