Sebastian Samuelsson Climbs to Second Place in Dramatic 2025 Men's Pursuit Race

Swedish biathlete Sebastian Samuelsson secured an impressive second-place finish in the men's pursuit race, held on December 7, 2025. Starting the race in fifth position after the prior sprint, Samuelsson quickly advanced, demonstrating strong skiing and shooting capabilities. The race was highly competitive and dramatic, culminating in a decisive final shooting block where both Samuelsson and Norwegian Johan-Olav Botn missed one target each. However, many others also faltered during shooting, allowing them to maintain their podium positions. French competitor Quentin Fillon Maillet delivered a flawless shooting performance, capturing the victory convincingly.

In the final sprint, Samuelsson outpaced Botn in a close finish to claim second place. Reflecting on the race, Samuelsson noted the tactical battle in the sprint, stating, "It felt like Botn was afraid they would catch up from behind. I felt I could sprint against anyone, so I stayed behind and let him do the work." Despite some criticism of his shooting, with remarks that he "shot a bit too poorly, a bit too long," Samuelsson's resilience and strategic approach propelled him to the podium.

Samuelsson's climb from fifth to second showcases his determination and skill in one of the sport's most intense formats, confirming his status as a top contender on the international biathlon stage.