'The best team won'

ByEurosport

Published 23/02/2006 at 15:52 GMT

Kati Wilhelm paid tribute to an "amazing" Russian quartet whose sharp shooting saw them pip Germany to relay gold on Thursday. The Russians needed a spartan two spare rounds in eight visits to the range to snatch Germany's Olympic relay crown to leave an

"If you only have to reload twice in an Olympic relay, that really is amazing," said Wilhelm, who anchored the German foursome home, fifty seconds off the pace. "We pay our respects. We have to appreciate that. Today, the best team won."

Martina Glagow and Andrea Henkel - on the first two German legs - had ensured the Russians' healthy halfway lead stayed within the realms of possibility.

BIATHLON 2006 Torino 2006 Relay Men Glagow Henkel

Image credit: Reuters

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But third-leg skier, Katrin Apel - a controversial inclusion at the expense of 2002 gold medallist Uschi Disl - wavered critically on the standing shoot, was forced onto the penalty loop, and handed over to Wilhelm over a minute back.

'HAPPY WITH SILVER'

But Wilhelm, with Pursuit gold already pocketed, refused to criticise her wayward team-mate.

"We are very happy that we got silver," said Wilhelm, whose flawless shooting display went in vain. "We would have loved to win gold, but the Russians were really very strong today.

"I think that the four of us have put on a super display. We didn't get gold, but the silver is very good as well. I think that we can be happy with that today."

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