More money for Anaïs Chevalier-Bouchet. Already on the 2nd step of the podium with the tricolor mixed relay, the French biathlete won, this Monday, a new silver medal in the women’s individual (15 km) of the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing (China). Germany’s Denise Herrmann was crowned Olympic champion.
She hit gold with the butt of the rifle. Anaïs Chevalier-Bouchet held the lead in the race for a long time thanks to her skill in front of the targets. After a clear round on her two shots in prone shooting and then on the first shot standing up, she showed up on her final run on the firing line with victory in her sights. After having knocked down the first three targets, the Iséroise unfortunately saw the fourth fly away, synonymous with a penalty minute.
A single fatal fault which deprived her of the gold medal, finally won by Denise Herrmann (1 fault) a little faster on skis to finish with a little ten seconds ahead of the Frenchwoman. But Anaïs Chevalier-Bouchet, who has a World Cup victory (in 2016), did not hide her happiness with this new silver charm and was quick to share her joy with her loved ones.
While the Norwegian Marte Olsbu Roeiseland completed the podium, the other French women entered finished much further with a 21st place only for Julia Simon (16/20), a 30th place for Anaïs Bescond (16/20) and a 40th place for Justine Braisaz-Bouchet (15/20). They will try to catch up on Friday in the sprint (7.5 km), where Anaïs Chevalier-Bouchet will seek gold this time.
At the end of the individual biathlon, here is the ranking of our Blues:
Anais Chevalier-Bouchet
Julia Simon 21st
Anaïs Bescond 30th
Justine Braisaz-Bouchet 40th #AllezLesBleues #Beijing2022 pic.twitter.com/wigk7Ykm9d
— Team France (@EquipeFRA) February 7, 2022