Joint gold medal in JWOC Long distance women’s race

Joint gold medal in JWOC Long distance women’s race

It is gold medals for both Ida Haapala, Finland and Veronika Kalinina, Russia in the Long distance race, following a jury meeting yesterday and the absence of any further protest by the deadline. The back-up timing system recorded the same time, 53:46, for both athletes. Grace Molloy, Great Britain takes the bronze medal, her second of the championships.

Ida Haapala, Finland on her way to joint victory     Photo: Malin Fuhr

The race developed steadily and a fast time was posted half-way through by Russian Veronika Kalinina, one which was eventually chased down by Haapala in a thrilling finish. Kalinina’s SIAC card failed during the race and did not record at the finish; she did the right thing in hand-punching the remaining controls after the failure.

Today is a rest day, and competition resumes tomorrow with the Middle Qualification.

Leading results

Women

1= Ida Haapala FIN and Veronika Kalinina RUS  53:46

3. Grace Molloy GBR 54:17
4. Anine Lorne NOR 55:07
5. Eliane Deininger SUI 55:19
6. Tereza Janosikova CZE 55:59