Biathlon at the Olympics: Can the U.S. Finally Medal?
The Winter Olympics showcase incredible athleticism across a diverse range of sports. Remarkably, the United States has earned a medal in every Winter Olympic sport… except one: Biathlon. This challenging discipline, combining the endurance of cross-country skiing with the precision of rifle shooting, has remained elusive for Team USA. But could the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics be the year that changes everything?
A 66-Year Pursuit of Olympic Glory
For 66 years, American biathletes have strived for a podium finish. While the sport officially debuted at the 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Olympics, its roots stretch back further. Military patrols, a direct precursor to biathlon, were featured as early as the inaugural 1924 Chamonix Winter Olympics. These patrols were demonstration events in 1928, 1936, and 1948, laying the groundwork for the modern biathlon we know today. The first official biathlon event – the men’s 20km – was contested in 1960.
The Evolution of Biathlon Events
The biathlon program has expanded over the years. Women’s events were introduced at the 1992 Albertville Winter Games, and the exciting mixed relay event was added to the program in 2014 in Sochi. Today, there are 11 Olympic biathlon events, offering opportunities for both men and women, as well as the thrilling mixed relay.
How Biathlon Works: Skill, Stamina, and Precision
Biathlon isn’t just about being a fast skier; it demands exceptional marksmanship under pressure. Athletes ski multiple laps around a cross-country track, and after each lap, they enter a shooting zone. There, they must accurately fire five shots at a target from either the prone (lying down) or standing position. Each missed shot incurs a penalty – either a loop around a penalty loop or a time penalty added to their overall time. The winner is determined by the first to cross the finish line or the best overall time, depending on the event format.
Campbell Wright: America’s Best Hope
Leading the charge for Team USA is Campbell Wright. The 23-year-old represents the nation’s best shot at a biathlon medal. Interestingly, Wright initially competed for New Zealand at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. However, in 2023, he switched allegiance to the United States, honoring his parents’ birthplace. This decision proved fruitful, as he secured two silver medals at the 2025 World Championships, signaling a significant step forward for American biathlon.
International Dominance: France Leads the Way
Historically, France has been a dominant force in biathlon. At the 2025 Biathlon World Championships, France claimed an impressive six gold medals and a total of 13 medals, surpassing all other nations. Norway followed with nine medals, Germany with five, and Sweden with four. Quentin Fillon Maillet of France made history at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, becoming the first biathlete to win five medals in a single Winter Olympics. Julia Simon, also of France, showcased her prowess with four gold medals at the 2025 World Championships.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With a talented athlete like Campbell Wright and a growing commitment to the sport, Team USA is poised to make a serious run at a biathlon medal in 2026. The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics could finally witness the end of the 66-year shutout and a new chapter in American biathlon history.
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