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Neuner to sit out final Olympic biathlon relay

DPA/The Local
DPA/The Local - [email protected]
Neuner to sit out final Olympic biathlon relay
Photo: DPA

Just hours after winning her second Olympic gold medal on Sunday, German biathlete Magdalena Neuner made the surprise announcement that she would not compete in the relay event on Tuesday.

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“For me the Olympic Games ended today,” Neuner told a press conference at the German athlete’s dormitory in Whistler. “I won’t ski the relay.”

The 23-year-old had claimed her second gold of the 2010 games when she won the 12.5km mass start on Sunday – after already winning gold in the pursuit and silver in the sprint.

But Germany’s sweetheart Neuner said she was too tired to continue.

“It was my decision, national trainer Uwe Müssiggang left it up to me,” the Bavarian said. “I have noticed that I am pretty exhausted from the head down. Now I hope that the other four can make a good run and get their medals.”

The six-time world champion added: “I have now won two golds and a silver. That’s more than I dreamed of.”

Now German athletes Kati Wilhelm, Andrea Henkel, Simone Hauswald and Martina Beck will compete in the final biathlon event on Tuesday. Neuner said she would cheer from the stands.

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