The last loop of Sunday’s Otepää Mixed Relay was several minutes that Margie Freed likely will never forget. She was anchoring the USA team to a historic third place, first-ever World Cup Mixed Relay podium. Crossing the finish line with a huge smile as her teammates rushed out is, as the saying goes, “priceless.”

The Mixed Relay podium was a bit of sweet revenge for the US squad. Czechia edged them for third place six weeks ago in the closing meters of the Nove Mesto Mixed Relay but this time there was no one behind to steal their thunder. Freed, the de facto US anchor is no savvy biathlon veteran, but a relative newcomer whose first World Cup starts were in the 2023/24 season. The high school and collegiate cross-country skier has matured quickly, making the US Team for Milan/Cortina where she had a career-best, one-penalty 21st in the 15 km Individual.

While packing up for the trip to Oslo Sunday evening, Freed answered our five burning questions and a bonus about her plans when she returns to the USA after 5 months in Europe.

Biathlonworld: After the near-miss in Nove Mesto, how optimistic was your team before the start today?

Margie Freed: I’m always hoping to do well in team events because it is so much fun for everyone! Celebrating together is a nice goal.

BW: What was it like, as in nerves, when Deedra came out of standing knowing you were going to get the tag with a substantial lead?

MF: I was very nervous from the start seeing Deedra coming in first. But I know I can ski well on this course and be chill on the range.

BW: Were you running scared after prone with Elvira and Maren on your tail, or did you just tell yourself to stay cool and confident?

MF: I tried to stay smooth skiing and follow their lines. For shooting I focused on just hitting the targets. Having fun and being yourself is key to biathlon.

BW: What was that last loop like, with Lena shadowing you, knowing that there was podium in your future, regardless of what happened?

MF: ⁠I was giving it my all on the last lap for real! Being strong in all sections mattered a lot. I was strong on the hills, but she was strong everywhere! I didn’t have time to think about the place much as I was fighting hard!

BW: Did you ever imagine getting on a World Cup podium when you changed to biathlon?

MF: I started biathlon just to try something new and never thought I would make it here so quickly. Being part of a historic team finish! Wow!

Biathlonworld Bonus: What are the first three things you are going to do when you get back after the season?

MF: ⁠I am going to hug my friends and go for a classic ski. Then I’ll put on a new outfit considering I’ve had the same ones since I left in November!

Margie’s plan sounds like a good one, and while on that classic ski, no doubt she will relive those final moments coming down the home stretch in Tehvandi Stadium…and maybe hope for a repeat or better in the same place at the 2027 IBU World Championships.

Photos: IBU/Dmytro Yevenko, Nordic Focus