Bulgarian biathlete Lora Hristova produced a standout performance at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, securing a podium finish in the women’s 15-kilometer individual event and delivering one of the most memorable moments of her career.
The 22-year-old athlete from Troyan completed the demanding course in 42:20.1 minutes, combining disciplined pacing with exceptional shooting accuracy. She hit all 20 targets without a single miss, a rare feat in Olympic biathlon competition.
Hristova’s clean shooting proved decisive in a race where penalties often determine the final standings. Her calm approach at the range and efficient skiing ensured she crossed the finish line as the fastest competitor among those who had completed the course at that stage.
The gold medal was claimed by France’s Julia Simon, who finished 1:04.5 ahead of the Bulgarian. Silver went to fellow French competitor Lou Jeanmonnot, completing a strong showing for France in the discipline.
Hristova’s result marked a significant achievement for Bulgaria, earning the nation its second medal of the Games and reinforcing its tradition in biathlon. It also represented the country’s eighth medal overall in Winter Olympic history.
The podium finish added Hristova’s name to an exclusive list of Bulgarian Olympic biathlon medalists. She follows in the footsteps of Ekaterina Dafovska, who won gold at the Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics, and Irina Nikulchina, bronze medalist at the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics.
Competing in her second Olympic appearance, Hristova demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure. Observers noted that her steady rhythm on the track and disciplined breathing at the shooting stations reflected maturity beyond her years.
Biathlon is widely regarded as one of the most mentally demanding winter sports, combining endurance skiing with precision marksmanship. Athletes must quickly lower their heart rates after intense skiing in order to shoot accurately, making Hristova’s flawless 20-for-20 performance particularly impressive.
Her achievement sparked celebrations among Bulgarian supporters, who see her as a rising star capable of carrying the nation’s winter sports ambitions into the future. Sports analysts believe this result could mark the beginning of a new era for Bulgarian biathlon.
Officials and fans alike praised Hristova not only for winning a medal but for the manner in which she did it. Her calm demeanor throughout the race, coupled with her decisive finish, highlighted her readiness to compete consistently at the highest level.
As the Winter Games continue, attention will remain on Hristova to see whether she can build on this success in upcoming events. Regardless of what follows, her performance in Milano-Cortina has already secured her place in Bulgaria’s Olympic history and confirmed her status as one of the sport’s brightest emerging talents.