FWIW the Biathlon is a fantastic display of fitness. In order to excel in this competition, competitors need to be REALLY fit in order to control their heart rate. This is important as you need to have a slow steady heart rate in order to shoot straight as you pulse actually effects your aim, you'll find that when you hold a rifle the sights will wander as your heart beats. If you aren't as fit as can be, you will find that after x-country skiing for miles you won't be able to hit squat with a rifle. My $0.02c
