March 18, 2018 (Oslo, Norway) – Olympian Susan Dunklee wrapped up her 2017-18 season with a bronze medal around her neck taking third in the women’s 10km Pursuit on the final day of the BMW IBU World Cup 8 at Holmenkollen Stadium.

Darya Domracheva of Belarus attacked on the steepest hill in the final loop to pull away from Anastasiya Kuzmina of Slovakia and claim the victory with two penalties. Kuzmina suffered four penalties to finish at 9.2 seconds back. Dunklee also had two missed targets finishing third at 29.5 seconds behind the winner.

“I felt like I had the best preparation all summer and fall that I ever had and was really excited for the Olympic season, where so much pressure is put on that,” said Dunklee. “That was tough on me, but being a biathlete is all about being resilient, being able to pick yourself up over and over again. I am so happy to have this payoff at the end.”

Coming into the final shooting stage, Dunklee was in 10th position, but after clearing all her targets she exited the range in a battle for third with Japan’s Fuyoko Tachizaki right on her heels.

Dunklee gradually pulled away from Tachizaki for an eight-second advantage at the line to secure the bronze. Canada’s Julia Ransom was 51st with four penalties and Rosanna Crawford was 52nd with five penalties as the duo crossed the line together. Ransom announced her retirement just prior to the Pursuit race as she heads back to school.

Results here.