About Disability Nordic Skiing

Nordic skiing is open to men and women with a physical disability and those with visual impairments.

It comprises two disciplines, cross country and biathlon. Athletes compete in short, middle, long, biathlon events and team relay. Cross country ranges in distance from 2.5 to 20 kilometres. The biathlon event takes place on a 2.5 kilometre loop which is repeated three times for 7.5 kilometres or 5 times for 12 kilometres. Athletes stop for two or four shooting sessions along the course. They fire five shots at a target positioned at 10m. The penalty for a missed shots can be a time penalty or an additional loop.

Mobility impaired athletes may use a sit-ski (a specialised chair with a single ski set underneath) and visually impaired athletes can use a sighted guide if necessary. Blind athletes use an electronic rifle which emits a sound that changes pitch the closer it is aimed to the target.

Athletes from different disability classifications compete together but an adjusted time formula is used to determine the place of each competitor which is based on the degree of disability.

Nordic Skiing is practised in 24 countries and is increasingly popular.

For those wishing to participate in the sport the contact details are as follows:

Mark Goodson
British Biathlon Union
www.britishbiathlon.com

To contact British Biathlon Union click on the logo