The 27-year-old Slovenian decided to switch to biathlon only a few months ago, which surprised her country, which will host the WC classic skiers at the beginning of next year. And it was Lampičová, a three-time world championship medalist and holder of the small Crystal Globe in the sprint, who was supposed to be the main star.
However, she opted for a different career and is doing great so far. Last week she made her first ever international start at the IBU Cup in Idra, where she finished sixth. And just a few days later, she managed to shock the entire biathlon world even at the highest level in the World Cup.
It was an amazing sprint today in Hochfilzen ????????
From @DeniseHerrmann_ ????????victory, to Anamarija Lampic ???????? breakthrough!
Check the full story from today on our webiste.#HOC22 | #biathlon
— BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon (@IBU_WC) December 8, 2022
No one doubted that she would be fast on the track. But the big secret was how he would do on the shooting range. When she cleared all the targets while lying down and got to the top of the standings, all the experts and opponents had to hold their breath. At that time, she was even better off than the Czech Markéta Davidová, the second in the end.
“Look what’s going on. She hit all five targets. That’s a sensational feat,” the expert of Swedish television SVT Niklas Nord marveled. At that moment, the Slovenian was also a big threat to the phenomenal Swedish Öberg sisters, between whom she finally wedged herself at the finish line.
“It’s crazy. I’m enjoying it so much. I’m very happy,” beamed Lampičová at the finish line.
Of course, she had to regret three mistakes in the second shooting, which deprived her of a medal. “But I could have missed all five. I’m happy anyway. I understand that Rico (Gross, coach) is upset, as always. He constantly tells me: Give it one more breath,” she added.
In the end, former classic skier Denise Herrmannová-Wicková also won the race ahead of Davidová and the Frenchman Julia Simonová.
Photo: Andreas Schaad, ČTK/AP
Slovenian Annamarija Lampičová (left) during the sprint in Hochfilzen.Photo: Andrew ShadeČTK/AP
The case of cross-country Olympic champion Stina Nilsson, who switched to biathlon two years ago, testifies to how difficult the transition between the two sports can be. The Swede is still fighting at the shooting range and surprisingly recorded a drop in performance even in the running part. In Hochfilzen on Thursday, she finished in 35th place with two faults.
“(Lampičová) is incredible. Hats off to me, this is respectable. I expected her to be good after what she performed in Idra,” commented Nilsson on her colleague’s performance.
