Olga Podchufarova hit exactly in gold – Kommersant

Biathlon

The first of the season success came in the Russian biathlon the sixth stage of the World Cup in the midlands in Italian Anterselva. In the sprint of 7.5 km with two firing line, shoot to zero, the first gold of his career, became the first personal victory for the whole of the combined team of Russia in the drawing, has won Olga Podchufarova. Bronze went to world champion in the individual race Catherine Yurlov, losing eight seconds Italian Dorothea Wierer.

Winning 23-year-old Muscovite Olga Podchufarova that until yesterday could boast only a bronze in the mass start at the stage in Pokljuka, without stretching historical. After retiring from the sport stars of the previous generation – Svetlana Ishmuratova, Anna Bogaliy, Olga Medvedtseva, Olga Zaitseva and others – in the women’s biathlon Russia came the period of stagnation. Dismal performance of their athletes who changed inspire deep pessimism that seemed to have no end. Podchufarova Olga, who came to biathlon from the sport dance relatively late, 16-year-old, at the time of its appearance in the main team of the country two years ago has had a fairly solid luggage for junior standards – has been the champion of Europe and the world. It is not surprising that it linked some hope and at senior level. We waited that a talented woman will be revealed in the last year. However absurd jogging leg injury early in the season, these hopes crossed.

Nevertheless, recent results biathletes, although not looked outstanding, yet it stands out in comparison with other Russian women. In addition to bronze in the mass start at the December stage of the FA Cup in Pokljuka Olga Podchufarova, for example, he pulled our relay quartet of perfectly seemingly hopeless situation for a decent fourth place on stage in Ruhpolding, thereby confirming its leading position in the team Sergei Konovalov.

According to most athletes, especially not yet competed in Anterselva – on the stage, which is carried out on a treacherous for Biathlon an altitude of about 1,600 meters, the test speed training on the eve of the sprint race it is not inspired . “Since I left her with sadness, thinking how there generally can be run?” – She said on the air “Match TV”. Meanwhile, looking at the distance Podchufarova wonderful. While many of the leaders during the race are lost, and in addition to the shooting fell one after the other, and the Russian has shown decent speed (practically identical to that made a mistake the second winner Dorothea Wierer), and coolly closed all ten targets. And this despite the fact that at the height of the principle is not easy to shoot, and in front of the shooting range Anterselva biathletes have to overcome even the rise. “Only for a moment myself cursing: at the final round to err on the turn. Because that little sagged feet, I lost two seconds. But, to consider the race a perfect, we had to take turns without slowing down. Good mood gives strength. In addition, Kate Yurlova with which we divide the entire season one hotel room, too, is well finished. roommate, we had a good race and appeared on the podium neighbors “- said Podchufarova.

The current world champion in the individual race at the 15km Catherine Yurlov which have often written off, once again presented a surprise, proving that it is capable of high-level run and sprint . Of course, a decisive role in its success also played marksmanship. “In the middle of the second round of our coach Sergey Efimov heard:” Once again, because the exhaust rack, and all will be well “- said Yurlova.- A zero at the last line always gives strength. Otherwise, explain them tide on the last lap, I can not. One way or another, but at the end of the race felt better even than at the beginning. Near the slopes were the coaches, and I felt their emotional support. And the result of Olga saw only at the finish line. Obviously, we had successfully complement each other. ”

Valeria Mironova

The sixth stage of the World Cup in Anterselva (Italy)

 

 

Women. Sprint 7,5 km. 1. Olga Podchufarova (Russia) – 21.01,9 (0 penalty laps). 2. Dorothea Wierer (Italy) – lag 8.0 (1). 3. Catherine Yurlova (Russia) – 22.1 (0).