A new race type, the pursuit (for both men and women) was added, the first new race type since the debut of the sprint in 1980.

These four all involved Ole Einar Bjørndalen, who won each of the three men's individual events, as well as participating in the gold-medal winning relay team.

Kati Wilhelm was the most successful athlete in the women's competition, taking two golds and a silver.

Thirty-four nations sent biathletes to compete in the events.

Chile and Croatia made their Olympic debuts in the sport, with one athlete each.