A Lighthearted Sprint Finish to Close Out the Men’s Mass Start
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by Sara Donatello
From sunshine to snowfall to swirling wind, the men’s 15km mass start delivered a full range of conditions in Antholz-Anterselva, ITA, marking the final biathlon race of the 2026 Winter Olympics for Team USA. While the day didn’t unfold as hoped for Campbell Wright, who landed 29th, he made the most of the closing meters, sharing a memorable and lighthearted sprint to the finish alongside France’s Fabien Claude and Italy’s Nicola Romanin.
Braking at the start of the finishing straight, Wright’s actions were mirrored by his competitors, and the trio launched into one final sprint. The crowd immediately caught on, erupting in cheers as all three athletes leaned into the moment. In a race that hadn’t gone their way, they chose to finish with smiles, embracing the spirit of the sport on its biggest stage.
“We didn’t arrange it actually,” Wright said afterward. “I braked, then they braked, and then we sprinted. It was a beautiful moment.”
At the front of the field, Norway’s Johannes Dale-Skjevdal claimed the Olympic gold medal, followed by teammate Sturla Holm Laegreid in silver and France’s Quentin Fillon-Maillet in bronze.
