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Endre Stroemsheim. Photo: Kalle Parkkinen/Newspix24

03.12.2024

Stroemsheim Wins Short Individual with Clean Shooting: “I was really confident at the shooting range”

Norway, led by Endre Stroemsheim, got a podium sweep in Men’s Short Individual.

Stroemsheim cleaned all four stages of the 15-kilometer race. This winged him to victory three seconds ahead of Johannes Thingnes Boe, who missed one shot.

Sturla Holm Laegreid completed the podium sweep.

Stroemsheim’s victory in the first Individual event of the season brought him his first ever World Cup leader’s yellow bib.

- I was not sure about my shape, but on the first loop I felt today is better. I was really confident at the shooting range. Even with some wind, I knew what to do all the time. I got more and more confident during the race, and in the end, thought, it is possible to go for the win.

World Cup leader’s yellow bib made the day:

- It is huge. I am so happy. It was a perfect start for the season, rejoiced Stroemsheim.

“Full speed again on Friday”

Tero Seppala was the best Finn placing 18th with two misses. He finished 2.15,8 behind the winner.

The individual season opening left a good feeling.

- A good success, two stages clean. Two penalties, but I think it was a good performance.

Now we can relax a bit, and we are going at full speed again on Friday, smiled Seppala, looking forward to the Sprint.

The other Finns included Jaakko Ranta, 35th, Jonni Mukkala, 42nd, Otto Invenius, 70th, and Arttu Heikkinen, 78th.

Ranta missed his only shot in the first prone stage.

- A good race, I am really satisfied with the shooting. The skis were brilliant, and that gave me good speed on the track, said Ranta.

Mukkala opened his World Cup season well, having missed only one shot.

He was suddenly called to race, as Olli Hiidensalo went home to wait for his first-born baby to arrive.

- The shooting was really good. This was my best ever four stage event. Skiing is still difficult like it has been early in the season, Mukkala summed up and expressed his gratitude for the home crowd support.

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Original text in Finnish: Heidi Lehikoinen
Translation into English: Hanna Sairanen