BIATHLON

BIATHLON, sport combining cross­ country skiing with rifle marksmanship. In Bashkortostan, B. rapidly developed in late 50s of the 20th century in Ufa, in 1978 — in Beloretsk, and in 1984 — in Ishimbay. The sports and fitness centre Biathlon was built in 1986 in Ufa, the Biathlon Olympic Reserve School was founded in 1987. The first Master of Sports of the USSR in B. was D.P.Sokolov (1958). High results during the international competitions were showed by the Merited Masters of Sports of Russia A.I.Babikov, O.G.Vilukhina, I.A.Zaripov, E.V.Ibragimova, A.D.Karachurin, G.A.Kukleva, I.N.Mannanov, K.A.Mikhaylov, P.I.Muslimov, M.A.Chu­ dov, the International Masters of Sports of Russia M.V.Kosinova, A.V.Padin, Ye.V.Sa­ farova, F.Ye.Shulman, etc. The European Championship was held in Ufa in 2009; Championships, Cups and Competitions of Russia have been held since 2001. The RB Federation of B. has been operating since 2000. A great contribution to the deve­ lopment of B. was made by the Merited Coaches of Russia M.S.Alsynbayev, V.V. Kovalyov, M.Z.Mudarisov, V.A.Nikitin, V.V.Novozhilov, A.T.Safarov, A.M.Shche­paryov, P.K.Yamaleyev, etc.