Biathlon | Lake Placid World University Games: “This is a moment that will forever be engraved in my head,” said Axel Garnier, crowned in the mass-start | Nordic Mag | #1 Biathlon
Biathlon: a medal of every metal for Axel Garnier on the slopes of Mt. Van Hoevenberg
In the past ten days, the Haute-Savoie biathlete Axel Garnier did wonders Lake Placid World University Games (United States) in the facilities of Mt. Van Hoevenberg. First bronze in the individual then silver during the single mixed relay with Pauline Machuthe won the gold medal on Saturday night at the closing mass-start of the competition.
For Nordic Magazinethe member of Haute-Savoie Nordic Team agreed to reconsider his coronation and evaluate his competition.
The story of his race
“Before the start, I was quite relaxed and I just wanted to do well after my two other medals. This is a bonus race where I want to have fun on the track and check my goals. So I want to do things well despite taking a break! »
“From the very beginning, I could feel that the legs were responding and that I had no difficulty putting myself on the skis to keep up with the pace. In the first three laps, I stayed behind the skis of my opponents to save myself as much as possible and stay clear when shooting. Instead work! In the shots, I drop one in the first lay, it’s my fault and I tell myself that I have to keep my attention. Then, being more present in behind my rifle, I get an incredible 15/15, crazy! For the little anecdote, the last bullet standing, I don’t think it was on target, but the pallet was throwing stones at everyone. Super happy I was there. In this race, I only thought about myself and not my opponents. That’s what made me stronger: I stayed calm without thinking about what was at stake. »
“Before the last shot, which I start in the lead, I tell myself that I have been training for these moments for six years. I came to the mat, I had some parasitic thoughts, but after I put my magazine down, I concentrated on my shooting technique. So it worked well! In my head, on the last lap, there was great joy because I knew my weakness was shooting standing. So doing 10/10 at that time was crazy. Then I heard directly that the Kazakh Alexandr Mukhin was not too far away so I didn’t hang around and gave everything at the top of the big bump in the course. I wasn’t super calm, but I really had an incredible last lap. I went to the end myself and I ended up alone with the French flag in my arms. It was a great reward for the work done and a moment that will forever be etched in my mind. »
His emotions upon arrival
“When I arrived, there were so many emotions, I even cried for joy! It was a great joy, with pride because I went to this medal in style. Sharing it with all the staff was really amazing. I took full advantage of this moment because I tell myself that you are not a world champion at university every day! It was crazy for me to win the mass-start, the hardest race in biathlon. »
What does this university title represent in the world?
“This gold medal, like the individual bronze, represents all the work that has been done in biathlon over the past few years. It is a great joy. If I was told to sign for three medals at these World University Games, it’s even better than I dreamed. I’m proud because I’ve done a full race and the biathlon I’ve always taught. It shows that I’m able to match under pressure and I’m able to attend big meetings. »
What next?
“I have tasted the international level and the medals and it makes me stronger to look for other options in the Junior Cup and IBU Cup to recognize this joy of racing against other countries. It’s crazy and amazing! It’s for next year because, well, there are no more options for me this winter. »
