Lægreid claims season's first World Cup victory – Norwegian sweep

Lægreid took the season's first World Cup victory – triple Norwegian – NRK Sport. After Norway filled the podium, there was something completely different that caught attention at the awards ceremony. The Norwegian biathletes took a moment to pay tribute to Ukraine and Ukrainian biathlete Dmytro Pidrutsjnyj. Johannes Thingnes Bø stated, "He has been at the forefront in that war, actually." Pidrutsjnyj has delivered two outstanding performances in Oberhof, finishing in the top six in both races.

The Norwegian win was significant as it comes in a time of ongoing challenges for Ukraine, with Pidrutsjnyj himself having served three months in the military. The support from fellow athletes and the Norwegian community was evident during the ceremony, emphasizing unity in the face of adversity.

Sturla Holm Lægreid, the winner, shot accurately and maintained a strong position throughout the race, becoming the fifth Norwegian to win a race this season. He noted, "I was so tired at the end that I didn't have time to think about the euphoric joy of it being a triple Norwegian triumph." In shooting, Lægreid hit 18 of 20 targets, allowing him to secure his 14th World Cup victory, showcasing the strength and talent of the Norwegian team in biathlon this season.