The sky is Azzurro over Antholz. A monumental Lisa Vittozzi wins the women’s pursuit, delivering Italy’s first-ever Olympic biathlon gold, individual or team.

For the Sappada-born champion — who claimed relay silver a week ago in the mixed 4x6km — it is her first individual Olympic podium, having previously won bronze in the mixed relay at PyeongChang 2018.
Vittozzi becomes only the second Italian to achieve an Olympic biathlon podium after Dorothea Wierer (bronze at Beijing 2022), and secures Italy’s 22nd medal and eighth gold at Milano Cortina 2026, surpassing the seven-gold record set at Lillehammer 1994.

The 31-year-old (photo ANSA), fifth in the sprint 24 hours earlier, was flawless on the range (20/20) and stormed to victory in 30:11.8. The decisive moment came in the final standing shoot, where she outclassed Norway’s Maren Kirkeeide (silver at +28.8). Finland’s Suvi Minkkinen (+34.3) took bronze. Dorothea Wierer finished ninth (+1:30.3), Hannah Auchentaller 26th and Michela Carrara 36th.