Sprint-acular! Pulles wins Estonia’s first ever gold at FISU Games

Another busy day at Lake Placid 2023 allowed the numerous fans to witness great performances in cross country skiing on Sunday as Mariel Merlii Pulles became the first-ever Estonian to win a winter gold medal at the FISU World University Games, while Finland secured two more medals.

Pulles topped the podium in the women’s sprint free race thanks to a time of 2:54.57 in the final. Finland’s Tiia Olkkonen (2:55.20) and Anna-Maria Dietze (2:55.50) from Germany followed at the finish line.

Pulles’ triumph also marked Estonia’s first FISU Winter Games medal since Kaili Sirge’s cross country skiing bronze at Torino 2007, also in the women’s sprint free.

The 24-year-old Alaska Fairbanks University student simply could not have been happier after the race.

“I feel amazing,” she said with a wide smile on her face. “I had dreamed about it before my season started, and now I just managed to do it.”

Neighbouring Estonia and Finland undeniably stole the show on the second day of cross country skiing competition as 24-year-old Finish Verneri Poikonen won the men’s final in 2:34.74.

The giant from the University of Jyväskylä stood out as he literally roared his happiness and relief after crossing the finish line in front of Jaume Puyo of Spain (2:35.27) and Tom Mancini of France (2:35.93).

“My leg was hurting this morning, and when I spoke to my coach after the qualifications, I was never thinking of getting a medal today”, Poikonen explained after the race.

His concerns were overcome by a late qualification to the last round, which he managed thanks to an impressive comeback to earn the last “lucky loser” spot in the final.

The last race of the day at the splendid Mt. Van Hoevenberg venue also turned into an opportunity for local fans to chant their unconditional support to USA’s Will Koch, son of American Olympic legend Bill Koch, and carry him to an engaging sixth spot in the final.

Written by Louis Gilles, FISU Young Reporter

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