Which two sports make up the biathlon?

The biathlon is a unique winter sport that combines two distinct disciplines: rifle shooting and cross-country skiing. Athletes participate in various formats of races where they alternate between skiing a distance course and stopping to shoot at targets. The shooting portion occurs at designated points during the ski course, and the level of accuracy impacts the overall performance, as missed shots result in penalties such as extra distance to ski.

This combination of endurance and precision makes the biathlon particularly challenging, as it requires athletes to maintain physical stamina while also demonstrating focus and control in their shooting skills. The other options presented do not accurately represent the sports involved in the biathlon. Cycling and running, running and swimming, as well as shooting and fencing, are separate sports entirely and do not align with the established criteria for the biathlon event.