Here is how the Biathlon works, including its rules, scoring and history in the Olympics.

ANTERSELVA, Italy (AP) — U.S. Biathlon head coach Armin Auchentaller learned to cross-country ski on the trails that weave through the thick forests lining the Antholz valley in Northern Italy. Before he was even born,

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.

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

Biathlon is back at the Winter Olympics. Here's a look at all the equipment that biathletes will use for Milan Cortina 2026: Olympic biathletes use the following equipment:

Each documentary will be dedicated to a different winter discipline: biathlon, cross-country skiing, and mogul skiing

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.