December 16, 2007 (Pokljuka, Slovenia) – Sandra Keith’s 11th place finish on Saturday in the women’s 7.5 km sprint was something she has been working towards for a long time. The 27-year-old veteran from Calgary was over the top with her result.

“I am just so excited for it all have come together today. This result was a major confidence booster for me and I look forward to what I know I can do more often,” said Keith, who credits the great showing her teammates have had to date as inspiration. “We have had an amazing start with three World Cups under our belt now and it feels great to be able to add to the results.”

Keith was clean in both shooting sessions today, something she usually only does in one race a year. Her family, watching the internet broadcast from home, could see the smile spread across her face after the standing. At the beginning of the last leg, Keith’s coach ran over from the shooting area to let her know her split had her in first place.

“I had a massive rush of adrenaline and was pushing for everything in the last 2.5 kilometres,” said Keith, who finished the race +57.9 second behind French winner Sandrine Bailly. Kaisa Makarainen of Finland took the silver (+9.2) and Magdalena Neuner of Germany finished up in the bronze position (20.7)

“You know it was a bit bizarre, I was very nervous and normally I’m not. I really had to calm myself down to get through today. Maybe my nerves are a sign of good things to come,” said Keith.

World Cup rookie, Megan Imrie of Falcon Lake, Man. found the race tough today, finishing in 77th spot. Imrie’s skiing was very good but four penalties in the shooting failed her.

In the men’s 10 km sprint, Canadians Jean Philippe Leguellec finished 42nd, +1:58.6 seconds behind the leader, Ole Einar Bjoerndalen of Norway, while Robin Clegg crossed the finish line in 69th (+2:54.5).

The Biathlon World Cup continues on Sunday in Slovenia with the men’s 4 x 7.5 km Relay

For Full Results, visit www.biathlonworld.com

Men Top 5
1. Ole Einar Bjoerndalen NOR, 23:44.4
2. Dmitri Yaroshenko, RUS, +4.9
3. Mattias Nilsson Jr, SWE, +11.8
4. Simon Fourcade, FRA, +12.8
5. Alexei Aidarov. UKR,+26.8

42. Jean-Philippe LeGuellec, Shannon, Que., +1:58.6
69. Robin Clegg, Ottawa, +2:54.5

Women Top 5
1. Sandrine Bailly, FRA, 21:32.6
2. Kaisa Makarainen, FIN, +9.2
3. Magdalena Neuner, GER, +20.7;
4. Helena Jonsson, SWE, +32.8
5. Martina Glagow, GER, +34.4

11. Sandra Keith, Calgary, Alta. +57.9
77. Megan Imrie, Falcon Lake, Man., +3:32.4