Lisa Vittozzi wins the historic first gold for Italy in Biathlon

A gold for history. Lisa Vittozziwon the pursuit racebiathlon ai Olympic Games in Milan Cortina and isla first time for Italy in an Olympics forbiathlon. He did it in Anterselva in Alto Adige, a ‘mecca’ of biathlon.

Lisa Vittozzi, from Sappada, triumphed in 30’11″8 after oneperfect shooting and skiing competition. Dragged by thousands of fans who flocked to the ‘Südtirol Arena’ in Anterselva, the Carabinieri standard bearer left the Norwegian Maren Kirkeeide behind by almost half a minute (28″8), ahuge gapin this competition format.

Lisa Vittozzi wins her ninth medal in Biathlon

With the gold conquered in the 10km chaseLisa Vittozzi brought to Italy the sport that combines Nordic skiing and shooting, the first five-circle title. His is the ninth Italian medal ever. The best individual result before today was Pieralberto Carrara’s silver in the individual sui 20 km from Nagano in while the first Italian on the Olympic podium, Johann Passler, bronze in the individual, in Calgary ’88.

The triumph and the podium of the race

The performance ofLisa Vittozziwas timed in 30’11″8. Her superiority was evident not only in her speed on skis, but also in her precision on the shooting range. The success was celebrated in the ‘Südtirol Arena’ inAnterselvaan iconic place for the discipline. The podium was completed by the NorwegianMaren Kirkeeidewho finished with a significant delay of 28″8. The bronze went to the FinnSuvi Minkkinen34″3 behind the winner.

Lisa Vittozzi: “My heart is bursting”

“I can’t believe it, I’m too happy, I amvery proudof me, I got shivers on the last kilometres: it’s adream come true. This was onemedal I was missingand I managed to take her home: my heart is bursting.” This is the Italian’s immediate commentLisa Vittozzistorica gold medalin pursuit ofbiathlonin Antholz as part of theMilan Cortina Olympic Games.

“I didn’t think I’d get to gold because the level of the competitors was really high – added the 31-year-old from Sappada – after yesterday’s race (sprint, ed.) I wasn’t very satisfied because40 seconds to recoverIt wasn’t easy, but I did onehead raceand experience played its part today.”

Dorothea Wierer’s performance

The local darling,Dorothea Wiererfinished the race in ninth position, recording a gap of 1’30″3 from her compatriot. Although she did not reach the podium, her presence contributed to inflaming the atmosphere of thebiathlon garaconfirming the importance of the event for theItaliaand for Alto Adige.