“I fought for this for so long”

Elvira’s medal followed her Bronze Relay medal yesterday and Pursuit Silver last Sunday; today surprising herself with Gold. “I do not understand how I managed this today. I had a good feeling in the beginning of the race, but on the third lap it was like I hit the wall. Then, I thought, ‘I just need to survive this race.’ Then the feeling on the standing was so good and I just hit them and nobody else did. I was really scared on that final loop that I would hit the wall really and not be able to finish first. I am so happy. I fought for this for so long. To do it today nis very emotional.”

“We are in this together”

That emotion spilled over when she tearfully spoke about waiting at the finish for her older sister Hanna in 30th place. “It is so special. We are really in this together. We are in it in the highs and lows. To be able to share it with her makes it even more special.”

France’s IBU WCH rookie Oceane Michelon with three penalties, won her first-ever, taking Silver, 9.4 seconds back. Norway’s Maren Kirkeeide, also in her first IBU WCH matched her French rival on the range and likewise won her first-ever individual medal, claiming Bronze, 16.5 seconds back.