Italy’s Lisa Vittozzi came to the final standing stage of this afternoon’s Milano Cortina 2026 Women’s 10 km Pursuit in second position behind Norway’s Maren Kirkeeide, but shot clean while her Norwegian foe missed twice, ceding the lead, and Gold medal to the Italian. Vittozzi, without a miss on the range, won Italy’s first-ever Olympic Biathlon Gold medal in 30:11.8.

“I never stopped believing”

Vittozzi was not surprised with her win. “The last couple of kilometres were an absolute dream. I always thought I was capable, but was also very aware of how good the other athletes are…Last year was really tough with the back injury but I never stopped believing that success at these Olympics was possible…All the difficult times were worth it. I never gave up…The last lap I really wanted to break out into a big smile but I had to keep myself under control and focus all the way to the finish.”

“Day I never will forget”

The Gold medalist had no idea initially that she was in first after the last standing, “I only knew I shot clean and was smiling after shooting. I heard she missed one, but I did not know she missed two. That was even better! When I realised I was first, it was really emotional.”

“I did a perfect race. I am really proud of how I managed the pressure, even though today I was pretty calm. I just focused on myself and my skills. It is a day I will never forget!”

Kirkeeide, with three penalties took home the Silver medal, 28.8 seconds back for her second medal in two days. Finland’s Suvi Minkkinen shot clean taking the Bronze medal, Finland’s first-ever women’s Olympic Biathlon medal and the country’s first biathlon medal since 1996.

Kirkeeide and Michelon

The good conditions and still moderate wind the men had prevailed for the late afternoon women’s competition. By the first prone, Michelon was even with Kirkeeide. Kirkeeide cleaned, retaining the lead, as Michelon went for two penalties. Jeanmonnot cleaned conservatively, moving up to 9 seconds back with Vittozzi also clean in fourth. The two women in front picked up a penalty in the second prone stage while Vittozzi cleaned, getting away with a 4-second lead over Kirkeeide and Jeanmonnot. The Norwegian cleaned the first standing easily, as did Vittozzi. Jeanmonnot added a penalty but retained third,34 seconds back, a few seconds in front of the 15-for-15 Minkkinen.

Vittozzi wins Last Standing Duel for Gold medal

The Sprint Gold medalist missed two shots in the final standing stage. Vittozzi calmly cleaned taking a huge 41-second lead. Minkkinen went to 20-for-20 going to second with Kirkeeide 4 seconds behind.

Vittozzi was all smiles on the last loop, easily taking the Gold medal. Kirkeeide and Minkkinen battle over the last loop, with the Sprint Gold medalist overtaking her rival in the last kilometer for the Silver medal.

Photos: IBU/Vianney Thibaut, Ola Wizor, Nordic Focus