Biathlon is a popular winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. It is a physically demanding sport that requires a high level of endurance, accuracy, and mental focus. Biathlon is a unique sport that has gained popularity around the world, especially in countries with cold climates.
Definitions
Biathlon is a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. The word “biathlon” is derived from the Greek words “bi” meaning “two” and “athlon” meaning “contest.” The sport involves skiing a set course, with stops at shooting ranges where the athlete must hit targets with a rifle.
Origin
The origins of biathlon can be traced back to Scandinavia, where hunters would ski long distances to hunt game. The sport evolved into a military training exercise in the late 19th century, and it was included in the Olympic Games in 1960.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, biathlon is defined as “a Nordic ski race that includes rifle shooting at targets.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines biathlon as “a winter sport combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.”
Associations
Biathlon is often associated with cold weather, winter sports, and Olympic competition. It is also associated with endurance, accuracy, and mental focus.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for biathlon include ski shooting, ski biathlon, and Nordic biathlon.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for biathlon, as it is a unique sport that combines skiing and shooting.
The same root words
The root words of biathlon are “bi” meaning “two” and “athlon” meaning “contest.” These words are also found in other sports, such as triathlon (three contests) and decathlon (ten contests).
Example Sentences
- The biathlon competition was held in freezing temperatures, making it even more challenging for the athletes.
- She trained for months to improve her accuracy in rifle shooting for the biathlon event.
- He won the gold medal in the biathlon event at the Winter Olympics.
- The biathlon course was set up with challenging terrain and obstacles to test the athletes’ endurance.