Grueling sport of biathlon captivates winter athletes
By Benjamin Spillman, Reno Gazette-Journal
Lisa Holan was 42 years old the first time she picked up a rifle.
Four years later, Holan, a Nordic skier and Truckee resident, is a competitive biathlon athlete.
The ancient and grueling sport that combines cross-country skiing with target shooting is largely ignored by American sports fans and adventure athletes.
But for people like Holan, who tried biathlon after seeing a flier advertising an introductory clinic, it can become a near-obsession.