Johannes Dale-Skjevdal Shoots 20/20 to Claim Mass Start Gold

Norway’s Johannes Dale-Skjevdal delivered a flawless performance on the range to win gold in the men’s 15km mass start at the Milano Cortina 2026, producing the only perfect 20/20 shooting display of the race. His composure under pressure secured not only victory, but also the first Olympic medal of his career.

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On a demanding course in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the race unfolded at a relentless pace from the opening loop. With 30 of the world’s best biathletes starting together, there was little room for error.

Dale-Skjevdal kept himself tucked within the leading pack through the early stages, clearing the first two prone shoots without drama as others began to falter.

Medals Decided Late On

The decisive moment came in the final standing stage. With the field tightly grouped and the noise rising around the stadium, the Norwegian calmly knocked down all five targets. As rivals dipped into the penalty loop, he surged clear onto the final lap, skiing with controlled aggression to the finish line in 39:17.1.

Behind him, teammate Sturla Holm Laegreid secured silver despite one missed shot, finishing 10.5 seconds adrift to complete a Norwegian 1-2. The result capped a remarkable Games for Laegreid, who has now reached the podium in all five men’s events – the individual, sprint, pursuit, mass start and relay.

Bronze went to Quentin Fillon-Maillet of France, who crossed the line 25.6 seconds behind despite four penalties. It was a gutsy performance built on strong skiing speed, allowing him to claw back time lost on the range.

One of France’s Most Notable Olympians

The medal carried historic significance. With nine Olympic medals to his name, Fillon-Maillet becomes France’s most decorated Olympian, across both Winter and Summer Games. He also stands alone as the only French athlete to have medalled in every biathlon discipline, from the individual to the mixed relay.

For Dale-Skjevdal, though, this day belonged entirely to him. In a sport where victory so often hinges on a single missed target, perfection proved decisive. One clean card, one decisive final loop, and one long-awaited Olympic gold.