PRINCE GEORGE – Many people may not understand biathlon, a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and target shooting.
This week, the world’s top Para-Nordic biathlon athletes are competing at the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, aiming for the top spot.
The para biathlon world championships involve sitting skiers, standing skiers, and skiers with visual impairments.
According to biathlon officials, this competition is modified for the athletes.
“They shoot on a ten-meter range . . . These guys use two systems. One is a pellet gun air rifle. The other is a very interesting system that blind skiers are using to shoot with, which they’re using the hearing attached to a noise.”
John Aalberg, Chief of Competition
Along with not carrying their rifles, some shooting distances are changed.
Each time a competitor finishes a round of shooting, they are sent to complete a ski loop, which varies from 7 to 12 kilometres. If an athlete misses one of the targets, a 100-meter route must be completed, or a 1-minute penalty is added to their time, depending on the event itself. Then, they continue that cycle until all laps are finished.
Six groups are competing during the week of the para biathlon world championships.
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