The biathlon program of the Olympics in Milano Cortina continues today with the men's standard distance event, where Estonia will be represented by athletes René Zahkna, Kristo Siimer, Mark-Markos Kehva, and Jakob Kulbin. This event is significant for the Estonian team as it aims to recover from a lackluster start to the Olympic Games. Kulbin will kick off the competition as the first Estonian participant, hoping to replicate his previous strong performance, where he secured 12th place in the season's first World Cup stage in Östersund.

Previously, Estonia faced challenges in the mixed relay event, finishing in 15th place. Both Zahkna and Siimer expressed optimism about their upcoming races, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the competition and their desire for better results. Zahkna humorously remarked about his expectations, while Siimer noted the competitive equality in this race format, which may play in their favor.

As they prepare to compete, the focus remains on improving their rankings and showcasing their skills on an international stage. The Olympic victory in this standard distance race is currently held by French athlete Quentin Fillon Maillet, who will also be participating today, increasing the competition's stakes for all athletes involved.