After much anticipation, Ingrid Tandrevold shines once again – feared for her career

After much anticipation, Ingrid Tandrevold shines once again – feared for her career

Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold revealed uncertainties about her future career due to her heart problems. However, on Friday, she achieved a long-awaited breakthrough by winning her first World Cup race in Nové Město, Czech Republic.

Just over two months ago, she underwent surgery for heart rhythm disturbances, making this victory particularly significant following a challenging season.

"It’s extremely emotional. It’s been a very difficult season for me, and at one point I was unsure if I could continue in biathlon," Tandrevold told NRK after her win.

Tandrevold started the sprint strongly, taking the lead at the first checkpoint. She displayed remarkable shooting accuracy, hitting all five targets in the prone position. Despite some tension surrounding the standing shooting, she maintained her perfect score.

- A fantastic start by Tandrevold, said NRK commentator Ingrid Sørli Glomnes.

There was additional pressure on Tandrevold to step up as the team captain after the retirements of Tiril Eckhoff and Marte Olsbu Røiseland.

- It has been tough trying to return at my pace, while hearing that I wasn’t able to uphold the legacy of Tiril and Marte, she said.

- I just made the decision that I’m going all in to win. I can’t be afraid of failing or play it safe. I have nothing to lose, so I decided I just have to enjoy this.

Tandrevold’s consistent performance secured her the win, edging out France’s Justine Braisaz-Bouchet in second place, and Julia Simon in third. Karoline Knotten was the second best Norwegian finisher in sixth, while Maren Kirkeeide finished twelfth.

- I was really happy for her. I know how much this means to her and it means a lot to the rest of us too. I’m really glad she made it today, Kirkeeide said to NRK.

Tandrevold's resilience and ability to overcome adversity have made her win not just a personal victory but a source of inspiration for her teammates.