The women’s 15km individual biathlon race at the Olympics delivered a mix of missed medal opportunities and promising signs for the German-speaking teams’ upcoming competitions. While three German athletes and one Swiss athlete finished in the top ten, it was ultimately not enough for a podium place.

Victory went to France’s Julia Simon, followed by her teammate Lou Jeanmonnot, while Bulgaria’s Lora Hristova claimed a surprise third place with a flawless shooting performance.

Also Read: French biathlon star claims 15km Individual gold at Milano-Cortina 2026

Germany: Strong overall performance but no medal

After consistent performances throughout the winter, expectations were high for the German team, especially for Franziska Preuß. After three clean shooting stages, she remained within reach of the medals, but two misses in the final standing stage pushed her back. She ultimately finished tenth.

Voigt confirmed her peak form with a clean performance in the mixed relay, delivering another calm, controlled race with flawless shooting. She finished in a well-deserved fourth place, just 13 seconds short of the podium.

Janina Hettich-Walz, who made her comeback this summer after the birth of her daughter, also delivered a very solid race. With one miss each in the first and second shooting stages, followed by two clean stages, she fought her way into the top eight.

Her teammate, Selina Grotian, however, recorded four shooting errors and finished in a disappointing 55th place.

Switzerland: Meier with career-best performance

For the Swiss national team, Lea Meier stood out with just one miss in the second shooting stage. Combined with a solid performance on the tracks, it secured her seventh place — a career-best result in an individual World Cup or Olympic race.

Aita Gasparin was the second-best Swiss athlete, finishing inside the top 35. However, two misses in the final shooting stage cost her a much better result. Close behind her were teammates Amy Baserga in 39th and Lena Häcki-Gross in 42nd, both likely finishing below their expectations.

Austria: Signs of hope despite setbacks

The race was mixed for the Austrian team. Lisa Theresa Hauser, who recently showed improving form in the World Cup in Nove Mesto, lost her medal chance with three misses in the final shooting stage. Nevertheless, she remains optimistic heading into the next races.

Anna Gandler, competing in her first Olympic individual event, hit 18 targets and secured a solid mid-field finish in 32nd place. Her teammates Tamara Steiner and Anna Andexer finished 44th and 62nd, respectively.

Read More – Program for biathlon at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

Biathlon schedule – Milano-Cortina 2026

Sunday, February 8: Mixed Relay (M+W) (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:05 CET: Mixed Relay, Men + Women

Tuesday, February 10: Men 20km Individual (More information can be found HERE)

• 13:30 CET: 20km Individual, Men

Wednesday, February 11: Women 15km Individual (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:15 CET: 15km Individual, Women

Friday, February 13: Men 10km Sprint (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:00 CET: 10km Sprint, Men

Saturday, February 14: Women 7.5km Sprint (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:45 CET: 7.5km Sprint, Women

Sunday, February 15: Men 12.5km Pursuit and Women 10km Pursuit (More information can be found HERE)

• 11:15 CET: 12.5km Pursuit, Men
• 14:45 CET: 10km Pursuit, Women

Tuesday, February 17: Men 4×7.5km Relay (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:30 CET: 4×7.5km Relay, Men

Wednesday, February 18: Women 4x6km Relay (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:45 CET: 4x6km Relay, Women

Friday, February 20: Men 15km Mass Start (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:15 CET: 15km Mass Start, Men

Saturday, February 21: Women 12.5km Mass Start (More information can be found HERE)

• 14:15 CET: 12.5km Mass Start, Women

Complete program for the Winter Olympic Games can be found HERE

Antholz-Anterselva promises breathtaking events for athletes and spectacular viewing for fans. With every shot and ski stride counting, biathlon is set to be one of the most eagerly watched sports of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games.

Are you interested in biathlon? Click HERE and read more about it.

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