In Shock After Career Best: - I Still Can't Believe It

In shock after career best: - I still can't believe it - Eurosport

Natalia Sidorowicz (26) surprised everyone during Wednesday's race in Kontiolahti. Her Norwegian coach spared no praises after her performance.

Poland's Norwegian national team coach Tobias Torgersen (left) and Natalia Sidorowicz (right)

It was a great disappointment for the Norwegian biathletes during Wednesday's World Cup race in Finland. Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold was the best Norwegian coming in 17th place.

After the race, the Norwegian star mentioned that she faced "some challenges with her heart" during the event, something she has been open about in the past.

French biathlete Lou Jeanmonnot took the victory, followed by Swedish skiers Ella Halvarsson and Elvira Öberg.

Surprisingly, the 26-year-old Polish athlete Natalia Sidorowicz finished in fourth place, hitting 20 out of 20 targets. Her performance was historic as it marked her first top ten placement in a World Cup event, surpassing her previous best of 22nd place last season in Antholz.

"I still can't believe it. I was very stressed, but also focused. I tried to do my job and worked carefully with each shot," Sidorowicz said.

Finishing one minute and eight seconds behind Jeanmonnot, she was only twelve seconds away from the podium - a result she described as 'a dream come true'.

After her impressive performance, Torgersen expressed his deep emotional response, stating, "I haven't cried yet, but I'm very close. It means a lot, especially for an athlete who has worked so hard to reach this point."

Sidorowicz's performance showcases the importance of mental focus and perseverance in achieving competitive success, as reflected in her coach's responses.