In a true test of endurance and precision, biathletes ski long distances and, with an elevated heart rate, shoot at a target the size of a coin from a distance of 50 meters. Failing to hit a target means skiing a penalty lap, or having extra time tacked on.

Aiming high
Biathletes are required to shoot both from the standing position and the prone position, in which they lie flat on their stomachs.

Individual
Athletes shoot from prone position after first and third loops and from standing position after second and fourth loops. Miss penalty: One minute.

Sprint
Athletes shoot from prone position after first loop and from standing position after second loop. Miss penalty: 150-meter penalty loop.

Relay
Each team consists of four athletes. Each athlete skis one 7.5-kilometer loop and shoots from both prone and standing position. Miss penalty: 150-meter penalty loop.

Pursuit
Only the top 60 finishers in the sprint competition qualify for pursuit. Athletes shoot from prone position after first two loops and from standing position after third and fourth loops. Miss penalty: 150-meter penalty loop.

One to watch
Despite winning five consecutive World Cup titles beginning in 1997, Magdalena Forsberg of Sweden has never won an Olympic medal. She hopes to change that at the Salt Lake Games.

Sources: International Olympic Committee; U.S. Olympic Committee; Salt Lake Organizing Committee

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS