Even German men in the biathlon mass start without a medal
Germany’s men’s biathlon failed to win a medal at the Winter Olympics for the first time in 12 years. In the final mass start on Friday in Zhangjiakou, China, Benedikt Doll finished eighth and was the best DSV ski hunter. The 31-year-old made six shooting errors and was 2:31.4 minutes behind the new Olympic champion Johannes Thingnes Bö.
The Norwegian won his fourth gold at that Winter Games, matching the mark of his compatriot Ole Einar Björndalen from the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. In the mountains northwest of Beijing, silver went to Martin Ponsiluoma of Sweden, 40.3 seconds back. Bronze went to Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen of Norway, 1:12.5 behind the winner.
Johannes Kühn was 10th, 2:38.3 behind Bö with five penalties. Roman Rees was 14th, 2:50.8 back after three penalties. Philipp Nawrath finished 23rd after seven penalties in 3:55.7 minutes after gusts.
Nawrath and Doll still had good prospects halfway through the 15-kilometer race, but fell back decisively after three and two penalties respectively in the first standing stage. In gusty winds and minus 17 degrees, Doll and Nawrath only hit one of the five targets in the last shooting and had to run four penalty loops.
This means that the biathlon competitions for the DSV men end, as they did in Vancouver in 2010, and for the second time ever without a medal. Thanks to the women, there were a total of two medals for the German team. In the first individual race, Denise Herrmann won gold over 15 kilometers, the women’s relay followed with bronze. Four years ago in Pyeongchang there were seven more precious metals. Highlights were gold twice for Laura Dahlmeier and once for Arnd Peiffer. Both have since resigned.