The research deals with the systematization of the knowledge system on the improvement of competitive activities of highly skilled biathletes. According to the results of the research, three periods and seven stages in the development of biathlon were established, the limits of which are determined in accordance with the decisions taken by the IOC, on the inclusion of biathlon in the program of the Winter Olympic Games and UIPMB and IBU on the inclusion of new disciplines in the program of the World Championships. Objective. To consider the problems and perspectives of the competitive activities of highly skilled biathletes. Methods. Analysis of literary sources, documents, competition protocols. Results. A complex of internal and external factors was found, under the influence of which tendencies of competitive activity of highly skilled biathletes were formed. The group of external factors includes the organizational decisions of the IOC, UIPMB and IBU, the level of attention to the development of biathlon from the state and public organizations of the IBU member countries; high popularity in the social environment; intensification of the international sports calendar; modern innovative technologies (methodical, medical, anti-doping, technical); a system of material incentives and moral encouragement of the work of athletes and coaches. The group of internal factors includes the indices of training loads, physical health, functional and reserve capacities, level of special fitness and psychological stability, individual characteristics of athlete body responses during competitive activities, etc. Positive and negative tendencies of competitive activity of highly skilled biathletes have been established. It has been found that positive tendencies stimulate its further development, creating the prerequisites for the further growth of competition, whereas the negative ones – lead to the emergence of problems that determine the effectiveness of its implementation. In order to improve the competitive activity of highly skilled biathletes, a targeted approach is proposed that envisages the balance of organizational, scientific, methodological, medical and biological, psychological, financial and logistical support for their preparation.