The Olympic debut of Skimo continued with excitement as athletes participated in the inaugural mixed relay event on Saturday, following the men’s and women’s sprint events earlier in the week. In this unique format, each team consisted of both male and female skiers who alternated laps, requiring collaboration and strategy.
The competition saw Olympic silver medallist Harrop from France set an impressive early pace, creating a lead of 3.3 seconds at the first transition. This gap widened to 9.5 seconds by the time she handed off to teammate Anselmet, solidifying France’s dominance in the early stages of the race.
Switzerland, represented by Fatton, fresh off her women’s gold victory, quickly emerged as France’s nearest competitor, challenging for the lead. However, the Swiss team soon faced a renewed struggle for silver as Anselmet maintained a solid lead.
In an impressive display of skill, Harrop extended France’s lead to 26.1 seconds during her second lap. Fatton’s determination shone through as she overtook Rodriguez to move into second place, reducing the gap to just 1.3 seconds at the final handover after Harrop experienced a slight stumble.
This set the stage for a thrilling conclusion, as Anselmet, under pressure with a tightening competition, rose to the challenge in the final lap. She crossed the finish line nearly 12 seconds ahead of Kistler from Switzerland, securing gold for France. Cardona Coll completed the podium by bringing home bronze for Spain.
The mixed relay showcased not only the thrilling aspect of teamwork but also highlighted the emerging talents and rivalries within the sport, embodying the spirit of the Olympics. As these athletes continue to compete on such a prestigious platform, their performances inspire future generations in winter sports.