Make no mistake: perfect shooting makes Turlubekov biathlon champion

It was sprint day in biathlon at Mt. Van Hoevenberg on Wednesday as Poland’s Anna Nedza-Kubiniec and Kazakhstan’s Bekentay Turlubekov came away with gold in the women’s 7.5km and men’s 10km races at the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games.

Turlubekov, a student from A. Myrzakhmetov Kokshetau University, made zero mistakes at the shooting range and won the men’s race in 27:51.5, 8.3 seconds ahead of the USA’s Bjorn Westervelt, who missed one shot in both the prone and standing positions.

“I’m very happy about winning the gold medal,” said the champion. “The course was perfectly prepared, that’s why the race was nice. I was in good shape. For our team it was a perfect event.”

The three other Kazakhstani competitors all finished in the top five, with Alexandr Mukhin, who also attends A. Myrzakhmetov Kokshetau University, meriting bronze.

“Very amazing, very special to do it on a home course,” commented Westervelt. “I’ve never raced this full course before, but I shot at the range and the other loops behind.”

Later in the afternoon, it was ladies turn to shine.

Nedza-Kubiniec received two shooting penalties but still cruised to her first gold medal of the Games with a 24-second lead, in 24:17.1.

“I will call my family and boyfriend,” she answered when asked the first thing she would do after the ceremonies.

“I didn’t expect the gold medal after two penalties. But it’s OK, now, it’s an unbelievable feeling,” added the Korczak University student in Katowice.

Making only one mistake at the range, Canadian Shilo Rousseau added a silver to her Lake Placid 2023 medal collection. She triumphed in the 12.5-kilometre individual race on Saturday.

“Especially, after my team relay the other day with pretty bad shooting, it felt good to nail the targets again and prove to myself I can still shoot well,” said the 22-year-old University of Ottawa student.

Tereza Jandova of the Czech Republic finished 44.2 seconds behind the winner to claim bronze. She had already placed third in the 12.5 kilometre individual event and won gold as part of the mixed team relay on Monday, making her one of the most decorated athletes at the Games.

“I’m very happy with what I achieved so far,” Jandova said post race.

Biathlon continues on Thursday with the men’s 12.5km and women’s 10km pursuit races.

Written by Miha Trošt, FISU Young Reporter

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