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.

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,

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.

Olympic biathletes shoot at targets using .22-caliber rifles while racing on cross-country skis. Here’s a closer look at the combined sporting event. (Photo: AP)

The 2026 Winter Olympics are underway with more than 80 commentators covering events across an array of NBC platforms. There are 11 biathlon events on the schedule for this year’s games, and we’ve got everything you need to know about the voices bringing you all the action.

Biathlon begins Sunday with the mixed relay event. It will set the tone for the ten following events in Milan Cortina and Team Italy's hopes for a biathlon medal.

Live stream this fascinating combination of rifle shooting and cross-country skiing from anywhere in the world.

Hometown hero Dorotea Wierer did her part in delivering a silver medal in Sunday's mixed relay that lifted the hearts of biathlon fans in northern Italy, heralding her second place as if she had won gold.

The French biathlon team raced to gold in the mixed 4x6km relay Sunday at the Olympics, with host nation Italy chasing down the gap for a silver on home turf.

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:

By Philip O'Connor ANTERSELVA, Italy, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Favourites France delivered an expected gold medal in the first biathlon event of the Milano Cortina Games, leaning on the instincts of anchorwoman Julia Simon whose imperious final leg secured them a perfect start to the competition.