Biathlon at the 2006 Winter Olympics
Ten biathlon events held at Cesana-San Sicario in 2006.
Biathlon at the 2006 Winter Olympics consisted of ten biathlon events held at the Cesana-San Sicario arena. The events began on 11 February and ended on 25 February 2006, with approximately 6,500 spectators expected by the organizing committee. Biathlon events were open to both men and women, who raced in different distances in their own events.
Quick Facts
- Event
- Biathlon
- Games
- 2006 Winter
- Venue
- Cesana San Sicario
- Dates
- 11–25 February
- Num Events
- 10
- Competitors
- 204
- Nations
- 37
- Prev
- 2002
- Next
- 2010
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Only seven nations took home medals, with Germany winning the most: five gold, four silver, and two bronze. Six biathletes won three medals each: Albina Akhatova, Kati Wilhelm, Martina Glagow, Michael Greis, Ole Einar Bjørndalen, and Sven Fischer. Greis won the most gold medals with three. In the women's individual race, Olga Pyleva of Russia originally placed second but was disqualified after testing positive for carphedon.
Reader's Guide
The 2006 Winter Olympics biathlon competition marked a significant event in the sport's history, held at the Cesana-San Sicario arena. Germany's dominance, with five gold medals, underscored its strength in the discipline. The six biathletes who each won three medals—Akhatova, Wilhelm, Glagow, Greis, Bjørndalen, and Fischer—highlighted the depth of talent. The disqualification of Olga Pyleva for a doping violation (carphedon) underscored ongoing anti-doping efforts. The qualification system, based on the Nations Cup ranking, ensured broad international participation while limiting smaller nations. The event's legacy includes its role in showcasing biathlon's blend of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, and the high level of competition among 37 nations.
Did You Know?
- Approximately 6,500 spectators were expected by the organizing committee.
- Olga Pyleva of Russia was disqualified from the women's individual race after testing positive for carphedon.
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