German's Hanna Kolb and Gelb Retivykh from Russia are U23 World Championship 2012 in sprint free technique! Kolb won gold ahead of the Swedish duo Emma Wiken and Jennie Oeberg.
Kolb was strong the whole and laid down the fastest time in the qualification. The young German controlled all the heats and clearly went to the finals. Runner up from the qualification Alenka Cebasek wos among the medal candidates but it was again Hanna Kolb who was in command of the finals. She came in the lead to the finishing stretch and did not give her competitors a chance and claimed the first individual gold medal at the Junior/U23 World Ski Championships.
Cebasek did not defend the second place in the inrun as two Swedes Emma Wiken and Jennie Oeberg passed her before the last curve. Emma Wiken had more left in the tank and edged out her compatriot in the tight finish. After double victory of Swedish junior ladies yesterday, also two medals go to Tre Kronor.
Hanna Kolb GER
It is on of the greatest achievements for me. Even though I have won already some World Cup points, however, this individual title is really special for me. It was a perfect day for me. I felt strong and felt very good in all the heats.
Emma Wiken SWE
I am very glad. I did not expect to be on the podium today. I have not been that successful in sprints lately. I felt stronger and stronger after every heat. I plan to take part in all the competitions. It would be great to take another medal but it will be difficult.
Jennie Oeberg SWE
I'm very happy. This season has not been the best for me so the bronze medal feels like a victory. It is so fun, there were three Swedish girls in the finals. Before the World Championships we were training at Seiser Alm. Coping with high altitude is better every day but it is not like at home.
