Denise Herrmann-Wick, the German Olympic champion, is turning her attention to Finnish biathlete Suvi Minkkinen as the two prepare for a 15km race in Anterselva. Herrmann-Wick predicts it will be a memorable day for Minkkinen, stating that she is among the top favorites for a medal in the upcoming competition. This level of expectation highlights the pressure and excitement surrounding Minkkinen's performance.

Meanwhile, Finland's head coach Erik Torneus-Kulstad remains more cautious in his approach, emphasizing that while Minkkinen is talented, winning a medal will be challenging if the best competitors perform at their peak. He stresses the importance of Minkkinen focusing on her own performance rather than being overly concerned about her rivals, indicating a balanced approach to the high-stakes event.

Herrmann-Wick also points out the significance of high-altitude training for success in Anterselva, which is situated at 1,600 meters above sea level. Minkkinen has prepared for this challenge by training at high altitudes in France over the past two summers. This preparation is crucial for acclimating her body to the thin air, as inadequate acclimatization could affect her performance negatively due to issues like breathlessness or headaches as a result of the altitude.