Jakov Fak, the 37-year-old Slovenian biathlete, made headlines on March 13, 2025, by winning the 15 km biathlon race held at Pokljuka, stunning fans with his first victory since 2015. After almost ten years without triumph, his return to the podium has reignited interest and excitement among biathlon enthusiasts.
Completing the race with remarkable precision, Fak achieved an impressive shooting score of 20 out of 20, solidifying his status as one of the sport's veteran competitors. "Jakov Fak might be the victor today, but Sturla Laegreid captured the yellow bib," reported L'Équipe, highlighting the significance of Laegreid’s second-place finish as he gained the lead in the overall standings.
Laegreid trailed Fak’s performance, finishing just behind him, marking an exciting moment for Norwegian biathlon as he continues to challenge for the crown as the season progresses. Meanwhile, Martin Ponsiluoma, another strong contender, rounded out the podium, securing third place.
Despite his efforts, reigning champion Johannes Boe only managed to finish tenth, after missing one of his shots, ending the competition with 19 out of 20. "Johannes finished with 19 hits out of 20, and it might cost him today," noted the commentator, reflecting on how each shot counts when competing at the highest level.
Fak's win is particularly notable as it ended his decade-long absence from the top of the podium, with his last victory dating back to March 22, 2015, during the mass start event held at Khanty. This recent success not only showcases his enduring talent but also serves as inspiration for younger athletes aiming to make their mark.
The structure of the race itself saw some adjustments; it was classified as a short individual race, featuring shorter distances of just 15 km instead of the classic 20 km. This quicker format incorporated revised penalties, allowing for only 45 seconds instead of the usual minute, intensifying the competition's dynamic pace.
Among French competitors, Emilien Jacquelin emerged as the highest-placed athlete, finishing commendably, even after missing one shot. His colleagues, including Quentin Fillon Maillet, Fabien Claude, and Eric Perrot all faced similar struggles, with each missing shots. Jacquelin’s impressive positioning provided the French team with some hope amid the mixed results.
Fak's triumph prompts questions about the potential for future victories and what this means moving forward for both him and the field. With the season well underway, one prevails as the chief question: will Jakov Fak make this victory the starting point for more successes post-drought? Given his current form, it’s quite possible.
Historically, the narrative surrounding success without small globe victories has its place too, as seen through the lens of legendary biathlete Sven Fischer, who secured the big globe title without winning any small globes during the 1996-1997 season. Fak's current momentum may echo this unique achievement as he delves back deep within the competition’s fabric where champions emerge.
Nevertheless, as this race has shown, every shot counts and every race brings surprises, making the road to the world championship unpredictable and exciting. For now, fans can relish the return of Jakov Fak to the winner's circle and look forward to how the season continues to unravel.