Well, I didn't believe that I would have something to write about during these championships on Lithuania, but I was pleasantly surprised. Basically, all of the team except one athlete came back home from mountain training and got sick leaving them with no training before these championships. Both Kaukėnas and Strolia were amongst those unfortunate with sickness, but they still managed to put a smile on my face and keep me entertained. When I saw Tomas only 3s, 5s off from Fourcade on the first splits, I was honestly petrified what that would mean to his shooting (he's not a very reliable shot) and to see him leaving the 1st shooting range in 1st position was an amazing feeling of excitement that I've lost for some years after miserable performances. Although he couldn't keep up with what he did on the first part of a race, having the 6th loop time is something promissing.
And another thing that happened is that it's the first time when Lithuania qualifies two people in the same pursuit race on the men's side. Vytautas Strolia, former cross-country skiier finally got everything together in the shooting range and achieved his personal best result in Biathlon.
Hopefully, this won't be the last good news from team Lithuania.
Also, very happy for Doll's first victory and someone else to have denied Fourcade the 1st position, nice to have the Boe's reunited, a very solid performance from team Bulgaria, now hoping Schempp and Peiffer could advance in the pursuit. As for the women, I am not a big fan of Koukalova (I like her personality though) and I guess that comes from the fact that I usually cheer for her competition, so nice work for Laura Dahlmeier, the fight for the crystal globe is very entertaining this year and reminds me the wonderful Henkel/Neuner/Ekholm/Makarainen/Berger/Domracheva fights. I always support team Italy, although it wasn't Wierer, I am very happy for Vittozzi and Sanfilippo. Also, I hope to see Oberhofer back as soon as possible in top condition. Happy to see a stronger Sweden and of course about tomorrow, KAISA MAKARAINEN for the gold!!!!!