Biathlon World Championships – Preuss and Strelow Win Bronze in the Single Mixed

At the Biathlon World Championships, the Single Mixed event proved to be a thrilling contest that demanded both shooting precision and outstanding skiing performance across eight shooting rounds. In a race where the lead changed hands multiple times, the German pair – Franziska Preuss and Justus Strelow – managed to deliver when it mattered the most, securing the bronze medal.

Preuss in Top Form

Coming off a disappointing result in the individual race, Preuss showed her top form in the relay. Although she had three missed shots and had to reload several times, her exceptional skiing kept her right in the mix and neutralized the rapid pace of her fiercest rival, French individual world champion Julia Simon.

Strelow’s Steady Resolve

Strelow, who had already earned a bronze medal in the Mixed relay previously, showcased his strong shooting skills by requiring only one reload under pressure. His performance, combined with solid skiing, kept him competitive against speedy opponents like France’s Quentin Fillon Maillet and Norway’s Johannes Thingnes Bø. In the end, Strelow crossed the finish line four seconds ahead of the fourth-placed Swiss team.

This Single Mixed event, part of the World Championships since 2019 and not included in the Olympic program, highlights the emerging format where every fraction of a second and every shot count. The weekend will continue with the final medal races, including the women’s and men’s relays on Saturday and the mass start races on Sunday.