Vittozzi's flawless shooting brings Italy its first biathlon gold medal, Külm 22
Lisa Vittozzi's perfect run secured Italy's historic first biathlon gold at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
During the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, Lisa Vittozzi made history by winning Italy's first gold medal in biathlon in the women's pursuit race. Starting fifth, Vittozzi shot impeccably, hitting all targets and finishing with more than a 40-second lead over the competition, marking a significant achievement for Italy in Olympic biathlon events. This victory not only highlighted her remarkable performance but also made her the first Italian biathlete to win an Olympic gold medal.
Maren Kirkeeide of Norway started the race ahead of Vittozzi but fell to silver after two missed shots in the final shooting round. Kirkeeide, who began the race with confidence, ultimately finished 28.8 seconds behind Vittozzi, showcasing the high stakes and pressure of Olympic competition. This event serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in biathlon, where shooting accuracy is crucial to victory.
Suvi Minkkinen of Finland also performed exceptionally well, winning the bronze medal without any missed shots and marking Finland's first Olympic biathlon medal since 1998. This race not only celebrates individual talents but also significantly boosts national pride and interest in biathlon, expanding the sport's appeal across participating nations and inspiring future athletes.