In a demanding Olympic mass start biathlon event, Norwegian athlete Dale-Shevdal showcased exceptional marksmanship and endurance by taking the lead after the third shooting bout and maintaining it until the finish. Many competitors struggled with the strong wind gusts, particularly during the standing shooting segment, causing some to incur as many as eight or nine mistakes, while Dale-Shevdal shot accurately throughout the competition.

Dale-Shevdal's remarkable performance saw him finishing 10.5 seconds ahead of his nearest rival, Legreid. The bronze medal was won by French biathlete Canteens Fillon Maillet, who despite facing four misses during his shots, managed to secure a podium finish. Latvian biathletes were not able to qualify for the mixed start event, but two female athletes, Baiba Bendika and Estere Volfa, are set to compete in the women’s category later this week.

The competition highlighted the intense conditions faced by the athletes, with many of them struggling to adapt to the turbulent gusts of wind. Notably, 19 competitors succeeded in hitting all five targets without a single miss during the first shooting round, demonstrating the high level of skill present in this competitive field. The event not only showcased Dale-Shevdal's talents but also set the stage for future competitions, as athletes like Bendika and Volfa prepare to represent Latvia in the upcoming races.