LIVE: Four Latvian biathletes head to individual distance at the Olympic Games
Four Latvian biathletes are set to compete in the individual distance event at the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games, marking the first time Latvia has sent four participants since 2010.
The Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina are featuring the individual distance event in biathlon, where the first medal set will be awarded. This is a significant occasion for Latvia as it marks the first time since 2010 that the country will have four biathletes participating. Among them is Rastorgujevs, who has prior Olympic experience, finishing 32nd in the biathlon classic in 2014 and 59th in 2018. He will compete alongside three debutants - Birkentāls, Lozbers, and Mise.
Birkentāls will lead the charge as the first to race, starting with bib number 5, followed by Rastorgujevs with bib number 35, Lozbers at 71, and Mise at 79. This event highlights not only the individual talents of the athletes but also Latvia's commitment to biathlon, particularly with a strong representation at this year’s games.
As Latvia aims for success in the medal hunt, the performance of these four athletes will be closely watched. Their participation in the Olympics is seen as a pivotal moment for the sport in Latvia, especially after a long wait for a full squad. The expectations are high, and fans will be eager to see how these athletes perform on this prestigious stage, possibly inspiring future generations of biathletes in Latvia.