site.btaBiathlon Legend Bjorndalen Says Bulgaria's Hristova Was Biggest Surprise in Biathlon at Winter Olympics

Biathlon legend Ole Einar Bjorndalen believes that Bulgarian biathlete Lora Hristova's bronze medal in the women's 15-kilometre individual race on February 11 is the biggest surprise so far in the biathlon competitions at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games.

The 52-year-old Norwegian, who ended his competitive career on April 3, 2018, currently works as an analyst for various media outlets. As an athlete, he is one of the most successful in Olympic history with 8 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze medals, as well as 45 more medals from World Championships, 20 of which are gold.

"The Bulgarian [Hristova] caused a real sensation. It is amazing, unbelievable. I do not know Lora very well. I know Milena Todorova. However, she missed a significant part of the season. And her teammate [Hristova] made it to the podium. It was a total surprise to me," Bjorndalen told Bulgarian journalists at the international press centr in Antholz-Anterselva. "I did not know her [Hristova]. I had to look for information about her. But now I will follow her. Because she really gave me the biggest surprise so far," he added.

The legendary Norwegian said he feels good in his new role as a commentator and analyst, but admitted that he misses competing. "Everything around me is very good. But I also miss competing. Competing is unique, I always wanted to be an athlete. But I spent many, many years in the sport - almost 30. I had a great career, now I feel good watching from the sidelines," he said.