Norwegian Olympic rookie Maren Kirkeeide never led Milan/Cortina Women’s 7.5 km Sprint, but with a spectacularly last loop moved into the lead in the final few hundred meters, claiming the Gold medal in 20:40.8. Kirkeeide’s clean-shooting victory was only the second of her career at the World Cup level and her first individual podium in a major championship.

Kirkeeide’s last loop pushed another Olympic rookie France’s clean-shooting Oceane Michelon into the Silver medal spot, 3.8 seconds back in her first-ever Olympic start. Michelon’s teammate, Lou Jeanmonnot, with one penalty won the Bronze medal, 23.7 seconds back.

Bulgaria’s Milena Todorova, also with one penalty finished fourth, 40 seconds back. Italy’s Lisa Vittozzi shot clean in fifth place, .6 seconds behind Todorova. Finland’s Suvi Minkkinen also shot clean for sixth place, 49.6 seconds back.

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