Biathlon at the 2002 Winter Olympics

Lore & Background

The biathlon competition at the 2002 Winter Olympics featured eight events, held at Soldier Hollow. The program expanded for the first time since 1992 by adding the pursuit race for both men and women, the first new race type since the sprint debuted in 1980. Events began on 11 February and ended on 20 February 2002. Thirty-four nations sent biathletes, with Chile and Croatia making their Olympic debuts in the sport, each with one athlete.

Reader's Guide

The 2002 Winter Olympics biathlon events marked a significant expansion of the program with the introduction of the pursuit race, the first new race type in 22 years. Norway led the medal table with four gold medals, all won by Ole Einar Bjørndalen, who swept the three men's individual events and contributed to the gold-medal winning relay team. Germany won the most total medals with nine (3 gold, 5 silver, 1 bronze). Kati Wilhelm was the most successful female athlete, taking two golds and a silver. Seven nations overall won medals. The inclusion of Chile and Croatia as debutants reflected the sport's growing global reach. The events were held at Soldier Hollow, a venue that hosted all eight races over ten days.

Did You Know?

• The pursuit race was added for both men and women, the first new biathlon race type since the sprint in 1980.
• Ole Einar Bjørndalen won all three men's individual events and was part of the gold-medal winning relay team.
• Chile and Croatia made their Olympic biathlon debuts at these Games, each with one athlete.
• Germany won the most total medals in biathlon: 3 gold, 5 silver, and 1 bronze.