Norwegian Olympic rookie Maren Kirkeeide never led Milan/Cortina Women’s 7.5 km Sprint, but with a spectacular 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.

“Special to see how happy everyone is for me”

Kirkeeide, the current World Cup Blue Bib (under 23) leader enjoyed the biggest day of her career. The win was a huge turnaround after her two penalties in the Mixed Relay dropped Norway to fourth place and then a five-penalty implosion in the 15 km Individual that put her 49th. “The team helped me a lot. Everyone was very supportive of me after the mixed relay; I just tried to forget about it and move forward. It’s really special to see how happy everyone is for me…It was amazing to race here today. It was an amazing atmosphere and an amazing feeling.”

“Would have been happy with Silver; but Gold amazing”

As for her last loop that sealed the Gold medal, “I got some positive feedback from the coaches and then got some extra motivation. It helped me all the way to the finish line. You never know how fast the other ones are going so I just tried to do my best. I would have been happy with a Silver medal, but it is really amazing to take the Gold!”

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. Today’s Bronze gave Jeanmonnot a full set of Milan/Cortina medals; she became the third women to win a medal in each of her first three Olympic starts.

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.

Snowy Afternoon

The women had a dreary sprint day, with heavy clouds bringing light snow, slowing the tracks but the wind remaining very light. It looked like an all-France day once again as Jeanmonnot and Michelon were second and third after the prone stage. Kirkeeide cleaned but was 10 seconds back, among a group of over clean-shooting 20 women, including Minkkinen and Vittozzi within 20 seconds of the lead.

As usual, standing proved crucial. Jeanmonnot picked up a penalty but came off the loop 29 seconds up on the field. Vittozzi went to 10-for-10 but a dozen seconds slower than Jeanmonnot. Michelon then cleaned very fast, speeding out of the range ahead of her teammate with Minkkinen matching, moving up to third position. The 22-year-old Norwegian did the same, jumping to withing 9 seconds of Michelon with 2.5 km to go.

Kirkeeide Overtakes Michelon in final 500 meters

Michelon continued building her lead, going up 23 seconds on Jeanmonnot with 500 meters to go. She continued powering to the finish, but her Norwegian rival was closing the gap. Kirkeeide gained a few seconds in each 500-meter loop, only 1.1 seconds back at the 7 km split. The Norwegian pushed the loop around the shooting range, grabbing the biggest win ever. At the finish, Michelon immediately hugged and congratulated Kirkeeide for her Gold medal effort.

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