Clean Shooting Propels Irwin into the Pursuit

The first snowfall of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games transformed the Südtirol Arena into a snow globe for the women’s 7.5km sprint in Antholz-Anterselva, ITA. Team USA’s Deedra Irwin led the American squad, delivering a flawless 10 for 10 shooting performance to finish 47th and secure her place in tomorrow’s pursuit.

“I wasn’t feeling super great coming into the race today energy-wise,” said Irwin post-race. “I think I knew for prone I could do it, but standing I think the other day I was struggling, so I was a little nervous coming into standing, but the targets kept going down. When that last one went down, I think I left the range a little surprised like I did a double take to make sure I had actually hit the right targets. It’s a really, really cool feeling.” 

Irwin crossed the line +2:18.7 behind Norway’s Maren Kirkeeide, who claimed victory ahead of France’s Oceane Michelon and Lou Jeanmonnot.

Teammates Margie Freed, Joanne Reid, and Luci Anderson finished 66th, 72nd, and 79th, respectively, just outside the top 60 needed to qualify for the pursuit.

Racing continues tomorrow with the men’s 12.5km pursuit at 05:15 ET/11:15 CET, where Campbell Wright and Paul Schommer will represent Team USA. Irwin will be back on the start line for the women’s 10km pursuit later in the day at 08:45 ET/14:45 CET.