Ukrainian woman becomes European biathlon champion in 2026: details
29 January 04:00
Ukrainian biathlete Anastasia Merkushina won the gold medal at the 2026 European Biathlon Championships. She triumphed in the women’s individual race at the competition held in Shushen. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the broadcast of the competition.
Who represented Ukraine
A total of 114 athletes entered the women’s individual race, including six representatives from Ukraine:
- Valeria Dmitrenko;
- Anastasia Merkushina;
- Nadiya Belkina;
- Lilia Steblina;
- Ksenia Prykhodko;
- Tetyana Tarasyuk.
It was Merkushina who managed to show the best result among all participants in the competition.
How Merkushyna won gold
Anastasia Merkushina had a perfect race, demonstrating 100% shooting accuracy — the Ukrainian hit all targets at four firing ranges.
She covered the 15-kilometer distance in 45 minutes and 33.9 seconds, which earned her the gold medal at the European Championships.
Final race results
Anastasia Merkushyna (Ukraine) — 45:33.9
Samuela Komola (Italy) — 3 seconds
Voldia Galmas-Pollen (France)
Thus, the Ukrainian biathlete was only three seconds ahead of her closest rival, confirming the high level of competition in the tournament.
Schedule of upcoming European Championship races
The European Biathlon Championships will continue until February 1. The competition program includes the following events:
- January 30 — sprint races:
11:45 a.m. — men’s sprint (10 km);
3:30 p.m. — women’s sprint (7.5 km).
- January 31 — pursuit races:
11:45 a.m. — men’s pursuit (12.5 km);
2:30 p.m. — women’s pursuit (10 km).
- On February 1, the European Championships will conclude with classic relay races.
Anastasia Merkushina’s gold medal was Ukraine’s first triumph at this championship and confirmed the high level of the Ukrainian biathlon school on the international arena.
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