ANTERSELVA, Italy (AP) — In a thrilling 15-kilometer mass start race, Johannes Dale-Skjevdal from Norway triumphed by hitting all 20 targets, securing gold and setting a new record for his country. This win marked Norway’s 17th gold medal at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, surpassing their previous record of 16 at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
“It’s incredible, especially since it’s my first Olympic experience and my first time shooting 20 out of 20,” Dale-Skjevdal shared. He completed the race in 39 minutes, 17.1 seconds, enjoying a significant lead after clean shooting in the first round.
His teammate, Sturla Holm Laegreid, also performed well, missing just one target and finishing 10.5 seconds behind for silver. Celebrating his 29th birthday on the same day, Laegreid labeled the race as a “tough challenge” due to the slow snow and windy conditions. “But I was in fighter mode today,” he added.
Germany’s Philipp Horn missed only one target but finished just off the podium. France’s Quentin Fillon Maillet powered through to take bronze, completing the race 25.6 seconds after Dale-Skjevdal. “I felt strong on the skis,” Fillon Maillet said, admitting he struggled at the shooting range but celebrated his ninth Olympic medal.
Meanwhile, Campbell Wright, representing the U.S., faced difficulties and finished last after missing seven targets. Italy’s Tommaso Giacomel, a strong competitor, had to drop out due to sudden pain after leading early on.
In biathlon, only the top 30 athletes compete, making these races highly competitive. They ski five loops, shooting twice in prone and twice standing. The women’s 12.5-kilometer mass start race is set for Saturday, closing the biathlon events of these Olympics.
As the excitement builds, social media buzzes with reactions from fans who are following these athletes closely. Many express admiration for Dale-Skjevdal’s stunning performance, while others reflect on the challenges faced by competitors like Giacomel and Wright.
With a mix of triumphs and tribulations, these Olympic moments continue to captivate audiences around the world.
For more insights on the Winter Olympics, visit the AP Winter Olympics.
Source link
Olympic games, Biathlon, 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games, Quentin Fillon Maillet, Philipp Horn, Johannes Dale Skjevdal, Winter Olympic games, 2026 Winter Olympics, Sports, Norway Olympic Team, Campbell Wright, Tommaso Giacomel
