Feb 11 • 11:15 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia LSM

Bendika has excellent speed on the track, but shooting accuracy lets her down in the Olympic classic

Latvia's biathlete Baiba Bendika showcased remarkable speed during the Olympic classic but struggled with shooting accuracy, finishing outside the top positions.

In the recent Olympic classic biathlon, Latvian athlete Baiba Bendika exhibited exceptional skiing speed, but her shooting accuracy fell short, impacting her overall performance. Despite her strong track performance, Bendika's shooting mistakes hindered her chances for a podium finish. Her teammates also faced challenges, with each of the three other Latvian biathletes making multiple shooting errors, which contributed to their lower placements in the event.

Bendika acknowledged the importance of her team's performance, particularly praising the service team for providing well-prepared skis that 'simply flew' on the snow. She expressed gratitude to her coach Ilmārs Bricis, mentioning the effective preparations that had helped her feel good during the race. The gold medal of the event was claimed by Simona, who managed to secure victory with one shooting error and completed the race in 41 minutes and 15.6 seconds, showcasing a balance of speed and accuracy that proved crucial.

This event highlights the ongoing struggles many biathletes face regarding the balance between skiing speed and shooting precision. Bendika's disappointment after a shooting error reflects the high stakes of the competition, where a single mistake can significantly impact the outcome. As the season progresses, it will be essential for the athletes to refine their shooting techniques to complement their skiing strengths, which are evidently present and powerful in Bendika and her teammates' performances.

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