Bulgaria’s Lora Hristova was not among the favorites going into today’s Milan/Cortina Women’s 15 km Individual competition, ranking 73rd in the World Cip Total Score, with a season best of 23rd in ironically the Oestersund 15 km. Yet, the 22-year-old rose to the occasion, winning the Bronze medal with a perfect shooting day, for Bulgaria’s first Olympic Biathlon medal since Irina Nikulchina’s 2002 Pursuit Bronze. Hristova, realize her achievement’s importance, “This means a lot. I am happy to inspire younger athletes, to make them proud, and very thankful for my whole team.”

Hristova’s previous personal best of 13th place also came in the 15 km Individual at last year’s IBU World Championships.

“I know I am capable of shooting clear”

The 22-year-old, just a year removed from competing in the IBU Youth/Junior World Championships is more than capable behind the rifle, shooting at a 91% clip this season. Still, she tried to stay calm throughout her perfect day. “Definitely I am very happy about that (shooting clean). I tried not to think about the result. I tried to focus on my shooting and ski technique. I managed to make the best I can do…I am very proud of myself, because I know I am capable of shooting clear and capable of skiing better than the last races. I think I am in my best shape for these Olympics.”

“Don’t think about anything else”

As for her thoughts as the last shot fell, “The first thing I thought is, ‘now forget about the shooting, focus on the skiing on the last loop and don’t think about anything else!’ ”

With the medal around her neck, Hristova struggled to put her thoughts into words. “I still can’t feel all the feelings and enjoy it because I’ve has so many interviews, but I am super happy and hyped about my performance.” When she stepped onto the podium, “It was insane. I could not believe it that I am standing next to these legends in biathlon.; that I made my best result in the Olympics!”

Praise from Doro

Local hero and four-time Olympic medalist Dorothea Wierer said she was “very happy for Hristova. It is great when someone from a small country can do it; I am really impressed.”

That reminded Hristova a comment a few days ago by Wierer, “One thing I remembered before my race was an interview with Dorothea, about her medal from the Olympics. She was without expectations and was really calm. I am happy that I managed to make the same.”

Wearing her medal proudly, Hristova said she would take it off before bed and probably, “Sleep with it under my pillow!”

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