Feb 14 • 15:01 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia TVNET

For the first time in Latvia's history, three of our biathletes reached the pursuit competition in the Olympic Games

Latvian biathletes achieved a historic milestone by qualifying three competitors for the pursuit event at the Olympic Games for the first time.

At the Milan and Cortina Olympic Games, Latvian biathlete Baiba Bendika finished 15th in the 7.5-kilometer sprint, marking a significant achievement for Latvia's representation in biathlon. Alongside Bendika, Estere Volfa finished in a tie for 16th place, while Sanita Buliņa and Annija Keita Sabule placed 38th and 71st, respectively. This event not only highlights the athletes’ performances but also their role in elevating Latvia's presence in winter sports on an international stage.

The race was won by Norwegian debutant Mārene Kirkeide, who delivered an impressive performance without any shooting errors, completing the distance in 20 minutes and 40.8 seconds. Two French biathletes joined her on the podium: Oseāna Mišelona took silver, finishing 3.8 seconds behind Kirkeide, while her compatriot Lū Žanmono secured bronze, trailing by 23.7 seconds after making one shooting error. These results showcase the competitive nature of the event, highlighting the skills of the top contenders.

Bendika demonstrated remarkable shooting accuracy in her prone position but incurred penalties during the standing shoot, leading her to finish 1 minute and 22.7 seconds behind the champion. Volfa added to her tally with a single penalty lap, finishing just behind her, with a loss of 26.8 seconds. The performances of these athletes signal a promising future for Latvian biathlon as they continue to push boundaries at the Olympic level, setting the stage for future competitions and inspiring young athletes in Latvia.

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