German soldier defeats Norwegian biathlon king
12/2/2006 11:33
German biathlete Michael Greis has not expected his dream would come true
in such a hurry in San Sicario , Italy yesterday, the first competitive day of
the Turin Winter Olympics.
In 54 minutes and 23 seconds, the 29-year-old
stunned biathlon king -- Norway's Ole Einar Bjorndalen -- to snatch home an
Olympic gold in the men's 20km biathlon individual, also the first gold at the
Games.
"Before the race I would never have thought I could win it with 19
successful shots (out of 20), but during the race the wind changed and the
conditions became very difficult (for other athletes)," explained Greis, who was
the ninth on the start list.
Greis, who took the sport in 1996, made his
debut in the 2001 World Cup. He competed in the 10km sprint and 12.5km pursuit
in Salt Lake City and finished 15th and 16th respectively.
However, the
German soldier has been on a steady rise in recent years. He currently ranked
fourth in the overall World Cup standings and second in individual at the 2005
World Championships, also his first major individual medal.
"It was always
very difficult to beat Bjorndalen, but it's not impossible. I'm happy to have
won," he said.
On his success, Greis said he didn't think it was a complete
surprise. "My passion, my heart, my determination made the winner. "
"I had a
great race. My technique and my coach were great, I really enjoyed competing in
such a great form," he smiled.
Bjorndalen, who swept all four golds on offer
in the biathlon events in Salt Lake City four years ago, missed two shots to
rank second with 16 seconds behind. His countryman Halvard Hanevold finished
third at a time of 55:31.9.
Bjorndalen accepted the silver quite suavely. "I
am happy with the medal. This was the best race since coming to San Sicario (
where the event was held), and I haven't done this well in
training."
Bjorndalen, the five-time Olympic champion, congratulated Greis on
the victory. "You have to do everything perfect (in biathlon). And he (Gries) is
the best guy today," Bjorndalen said.
Greis, who was still in his joy with
the victory, complained for not having time to enjoy the sudden success. "There
are more competitions to go and I haven't got five minutes to enjoy the feeling
... I guess I should wait after the Olympics."
"I had a perfect run (today).
I tried to do my best ... It's like a dream come true," Greis smiled.
Xinhua News
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