February 18, 2010 (Whistler, BC) – Norway claimed it’s first biathlon gold medal of the 2010

Games thanks to Tora Berger’s speed and nearly flawless shooting (19/20) in the women’s Biathlon 15km Individual event. Taking advantage of bib#2 and the perfect ski track, despite one penalty, Berger had the speed to win by a margin of 20.7 seconds, ahead of clean shooting silver medalist, Elena Khurstaleva of Kazahkstan. Darya Domracheva of Belarus missed one shot as well, to take home the Bronze at 6.5 seconds behind Khurstaleva.

The field included many World Cup medalists such as Russian Medvedtseva in 21st, Sweden’s Jonsson and Olofsson in 17th and 49th respectively, and Germany’s Henkel and Neuner. It seems that a number of athletes have been thrown off their game by the Olympic environment.

But Lanny Barnes of the US shot clean in this ‘legendary race’, to finish 23rd, at 2 :10.8 off the podium. She was followed by novice USBA member, Sara Studebaker, in 34th, with just one miss. Laura Spector had one of her best shooting performances, 18/20, to finish 65th, and Haley Johnson, with four penalties, was just 1/10th of a second behind in 66th.

Megan Tandy led the Canadians in 51st (17/20), with Megan Imrie (16/20) in 62nd. Zina Kocher appeared off her usual form, finishing 72nd (14/20).  The younger Crawford, Rosanna, finished in 76th (16/20).

Full results here.

Brief
1. Tora Berger (NOR)  T/1, 40:52.8
2. Elena Khrustaleva (KAZ) T/0, 41:13.5
3. Darya Domracheva (BEL) T/1, 41:21.0

23. Lanny Barnes (USA) T/0, 43:31.8
34. Sara Studebaker (USA) T/1, 44:27.3
51. Megan Tandy (CAN) T/3, 46:04.3
62. Megan Imrie (CAN), T/4, 47:05.8
65. Laura Spector (USA) T/2, 47:19.3
66. Haley Johnson (USA) T/4, 47:19.4
72. Zina Kocher (CAN) T/6, 48:19.3
76. Rosanna Crawford, T/4, 49:22.1