Biathlon combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Athletes race over a set distance on skis, stopping at designated shooting ranges to fire at targets. Precision and speed are crucial, as missed shots result in penalties, typically extra skiing laps or time added to their final score. The sport demands a unique blend of endurance, agility, and marksmanship, testing athletes' ability to manage their physical exertion while maintaining accuracy under pressure. It’s a captivating spectacle that highlights the athletes' versatility and resilience.

Biathlon debuted at the 1960 Winter Olympics with the men's 20 km individual event and continued to add events over time. In 1992, women's biathlon debuted with the 15 km individual, 3 × 7.5 km relay (4 × 7.5 km during 1994–2002, and 4 × 6 km in 2006), and 7.5 km sprint.

Historically, Norway and Germany have dominated the sport, with 54 and 53 total medals, respectively. In Beijing, Norway led the medal race with 14 medals.