The German mixed relay team in biathlon wins the bronze medal. A great success, because the DSV quartet was not favored. Even more is possible until the last shooting, but Franziska Preuß shows nerves like a competitor.
The German Olympic team celebrates its next medal at the Winter Games. The biathlon mixed relay team of Justus Strelow, Philipp Nawrath, Vanessa Voigt and final runner Franziska Preuß, who started as outsiders, won bronze in Antholz on Sunday. It was the first German medal ever in this competition, which was introduced in 2014. France won gold and silver went to Italy.
The Germans fought for victory for a long time, at least second place was still possible at the last shooting. In an exciting race, Strelow, Nawrath and Voigt presented without a single spare.
But the experienced German top runner Preuß, of all people, lost her nerves. After three hits while standing, the 31-year-old missed two shots in front of 18,000 spectators. Of the three spares, only one hit, so Preuss had to go into the penalty loop. This is how Italy’s Lisa Vittozzi gained the decisive advantage.
Norway even had to go into the penalty loop twice
Germany’s luck was that Norwegian Maren Kirkeeide shot over again and had to make two penalties. Preuß no longer gave up this lead and ensured a successful German start to the biathlon competitions.
“I didn’t think we would win a medal here today,” said Preuß on ZDF and didn’t want to mourn the missed opportunity after a major success for long: “That’s why it really means a lot to us today. It’s very special.”
After a day off on Monday, the first individual Olympic medals will be fought for on Tuesday (1:30 p.m.) in the heavy men’s classic over 20 kilometers. A day later, the women compete over 15 kilometers.
SUF
