Actually, Julia Kink shouldn’t be used in the German season at all. However, an illness ensures her nomination and a more promising appearance.
Biathlon talent Julia Kink felt “like she was in a movie” during her first World Cup appearance in a relay race. As a representative of Sophia Schneider, who was missing at short notice because of a short-term injury, the double junior world champion secured second place for the German Ski Association’s quartet in Soldier Hollow and showed a “super performance” with just one spare, as women’s coach Kristian Mehringer said.
Only the overall World Cup leader Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold from Norway was too strong in the direct duel to finish further ahead. “I was behind her on the first lap, and it was actually relaxed. I even thought whether I should maybe pass by,” said the 20-year-old on ARD. “That was just so crazy.”
Tandrevold lived up to her role as favorite and crossed the finish line with a lead of 17.2 seconds ahead of Kink, who didn’t want to be disturbed. “I just stuck to my points and tried to work through it as cleanly as possible,” she said.
“Second place is like a victory for us”
Mehringer, who informed Kink about her nomination around 10 a.m., was satisfied with his protégé’s season debut in the USA. “I told her to do what she always does when she shoots,” he said. “Don’t overdo anything, and she did a great job. Second place is like a victory for us.”
The day before, Kink celebrated her World Cup debut as 42nd in the sprint. She starts the pursuit 2:45 minutes behind (5 p.m./ARD and Eurosport). Selina Grotian starts the race as the best German, 1:39 minutes behind Justine Braisaz-Bouchet from France.
Source: Stern
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