Biathlon: Elvira Öberg Wins Mass Start in Kontiolax

Elvira Öberg won the mass start over 12.5 kilometers in Kontiolax. This victory marks the 25-year-old's third podium finish this week and adds to her lead in the World Cup standings.

"I am the best in the world," says Elvira Öberg to SVT Sport.

This is also Öberg's first individual victory this season and her ninth overall in her career. She said, "I felt 100 percent today, I have never felt this confident before. There was nothing else to think about."

However, the victory was hard-earned. Öberg started with two misses in the prone shooting stage and fell behind. But she was incredibly strong on the track throughout the race, maintaining the chance for a podium finish.

"I know that two misses in a mass start is not catastrophic. Two misses are nothing to worry about; it’s important to stay focused."

In the final standing shooting, Öberg shot perfectly and battled with French competitor Julia Simon. The 25-year-old then passed Simon to secure the victory. German athlete Franziska Preuss finished third.

Reflecting on her win, Öberg said, "It’s amazing. I’ve watched biathlon since I was little, so I’ve really looked forward to wearing the yellow bib. It signifies that I’m where I want to be. I am the best in the world.

"To be able to say and do this today is like living a dream. Having such a strong start to the season is simply incredible," she said.

It could have been a double Swedish podium. Anna Magnusson shot perfectly and started in third place, but lost ground and finished seventh.