How Do You Spell BIATHLON?

Pronunciation: [bˈa͡ɪ͡əθlɒn] (IPA)

The word "biathlon" is spelled with two distinct syllables: "bi-" and "-athlon." The first syllable, "bi-," is pronounced with the vowel sound /aɪ/, as in "buy" or "bye." The second syllable, "-athlon," is pronounced with two vowel sounds: /æ/ as in "cat," and /lɒn/ as in "lonely." Together, this gives us the unique pronunciation of "bye-ath-lon." This word refers to a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, and which requires both physical endurance and precision marksmanship.

BIATHLON Meaning and Definition

1. Biathlon is a multi-disciplinary winter sport that combines two distinct skills: cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. It is a competitive sporting event in which individuals or teams traverse a predetermined course while stopping at various shooting ranges to take aim at targets. The objective of biathlon is to complete the course in the shortest time with the fewest shooting penalties.

   The sport traces its origins back to the 18th century when Norwegian hunters relied on skis and rifles for survival. Biathlon was initially introduced as a military training exercise at the end of the 19th century and gained popularity as a competitive sport in the early 20th century. The modern version of biathlon, incorporating international rules and standards, was formalized in the mid-20th century.

   The competition involves athletes skiing across undulating terrains, including uphill and downhill sections, while carrying a small-caliber rifle on their backs. At designated points, participants enter shooting ranges and must hit a series of targets. The targets consist of five circular discs, and athletes shoot from both standing and prone positions. Missed shots result in penalty loops or time additions, which can impact an athlete's overall ranking.

   Biathlon requires a unique combination of endurance, strength, precision, and mental focus. It demands intense physical exertion during skiing sections, followed by the challenge of calming one's heart rate to achieve accurate shooting. The sport has gained international recognition and is frequently featured in the Winter Olympics and biathlon-specific tournaments around the world.

Common Misspellings for BIATHLON

• biathalon
• bathon
• biethlon
• Diachelon
• Batholon

Etymology of BIATHLON

The word "biathlon" is derived from Greek and Latin roots. It combines "bi-" from the Greek word "bi", meaning "two", and "athlon" from the Latin word "athlos", meaning "contest" or "competition". Therefore, "biathlon" literally translates to "two contests" or "two competitions". This name reflects the dual nature of the sport, which combines skiing and rifle shooting.

Plural form of BIATHLON is BIATHLONS