France’s Oceane Michelon stood on the start of her first-ever Olympic competition today full of nerves and not knowing what to expect. “I was so nervous, I could not eat this morning. I did not feel that good in the race. I was a little lightheaded in the final lap after not eating.” Yet the finish, she was the smiling Silver medalist, more than the 23-year-old ever expected.

Searching for Form

Last season’s IBU Blue Bib (under 23) titlist Michelon’s season until recently has been below her standards. She only shot clean in the season-opening Oestersund Sprint and finished a disappointing 32nd in the Ruhpolding Sprint a month ago. In the Nove Mesto Mass Start two weeks ago, her form returned with a 19-for-20 day, finishing a very close second to teammate Julia Simon and continued rolling with a clean-shooting Olympic debut Silver medal.

“I was so happy with my performance”

Michelon looked like the Gold medalist until Maren Kirkeeide dug deep in the last 500 meters to nip Michelon by 3.8 seconds. “It was not very difficult (watching Maren in the last lap) because I was so happy with my performance. It is just amazing to be able to be second in my very first race at the Olympics. I was so happy about that. It took 100% of my energy today. She was just so fast and incredible. I am very happy for her, but very happy for me. I don’t need more. For today, it is okay.”

“A really big game, the Olympics”

Last season, she and Kirkeeide shared their first IBU World Championships podium where Michelon won the Silver medal and Kirkeeide Bronze. “It’s true. It was so nice. I think tomorrow (the pursuit) will be a really good game that we will play. I enjoy seeing things like that. It’s a really big game, the Olympics. We will enjoy this incredible race tomorrow. It will be nice to run together again.”

“A really big smile”

Michelon earlier admitted her goal was 2030 OWG in France and qualifying this year would be a bonus. “The Silver medal is just amazing, incredible! I am very happy about it. I could not believe I would do this in my very first Olympic race. It is so nice. I enjoyed it. I will go through the rest of the Olympics with a really big smile!”

With the Olympic Pursuit, Women’s Relay and Mass Start ahead of her, there is a good chance that Michelon’s smile will only get bigger.

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