Irwin Jumps 12 Positions, Lands 35th in Pursuit

The second race of the Olympic double-header in Antholz-Anterselva, ITA featured Deedra Irwin as the lone U.S. starter in the women’s 10km pursuit, where she charged to a 35th place finish, climbing an impressive 12 positions from her 47th start bib. Despite four misses on the range, Irwin delivered a powerful performance on the skis, posting the 17th fastest course time of the day and showcasing her strength against the world’s best.

Irwin crossed the line +3:39.7 behind Italy’s Lisa Vittozzi, who electrified the home crowd by capturing the host nation’s first Olympic biathlon gold medal. Vittozzi was joined on the podium by Norway’s Maren Kirkeeide in second and Finland’s Suvi Minkkinen, whose bronze marked Finland’s first-ever Olympic medal in women’s biathlon.

Team USA will now take a well-earned rest day before competition resumes on Tuesday, February 17, with the men’s 4x7.5km relay. The U.S. quartet of Campbell Wright, Maxime Germain, Sean Doherty, and Paul Schommer will take to the start line with their sights set on making history in pursuit of America’s first Olympic biathlon medal.