Biathlete of the Ukrainian national team Anastasia Merkushina brought our country the first medal of the IBU Cup season, winning bronze in the short individual race at the fifth stage in Brezno-Osrbli, Slovakia. The competition brought together 65 participants, of whom only four were able to shoot without misses. One of them was Merkushina.

After the race, Merkushina commented on her success: “30 years old, third place. Thanks to everyone who believed in me. Who else wants to congratulate me - the jar is here. Let our guys have some joy,” the athlete wrote in her story.

At the award ceremony, Anastasia came out with the Ukrainian flag, emphasizing the support of her country even in the international arena.

The race was won by Norway's Caroline Erdahl, who made one mistake at the second stage, but confidently completed the distance. Silver went to 19-year-old Frenchwoman Pauline Woldya Galmas, who has consistently demonstrated a high level this season.

Other Ukrainian biathletes completed the race with different results. Valeria Dmitrenko finished 18th with two penalties, and Nadezhda Belkina took 25th place with four penalties.. Oksana Kovalenko scored the first points of the season, becoming 37th, despite low speed and two penalties. Lyubov Kipyachenkova failed to qualify for the overall standings, finishing 45th with six penalties..

The competition will continue on January 17, when sprints will take place for men and women..

The Norwegians explained this gesture as support for Ukraine, but Russia again saw this as “Russophobia” and an attempt to “keep Russians isolated”.

A similar action from the Norwegians at the 4th stage of the World Cup took place after the sprint. Olympic champion and 6-time world champion in biathlon Sturla L?greid, together with his fellow countryman Martin Uldahl (winner of the junior world championship) supported Pidruchny.