Biathlon mass start: like father, like son

The biathlon mass start was first introduced to the Olympic stage at the 2006 Winter Games in Torino. Nineteen years later, on Wednesday, 22 January, the alpine city once again hosted international finals in the discipline, this time at the FISU World University Games.

In the men’s 15-kilometre event, France’s Nathanael Peaquin clinched the gold medal with a time of 42:53.1, followed by Sweden’s Karl Groenland (43:21.2), who took silver, and Kazakhstan’s Kirill Bauer (43:26.9).

Shooting runs in the family

While Nathanael Peaquin was racing across the track, skiing and shooting his way to victory, another Peaquin was also busy “shooting” — from the sidelines and with a camera.

As Nathanael aimed for his targets on the course, his father, Frank, was snapping photos in hopes of capturing every significant moment of the competition. Together, they shared a day of shooting for their respective goals.

Biathlon combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, requiring athletes to excel in both endurance and precision. “I was in great shape today — very good on skis. Our technician did an amazing job preparing them. I focused on making precise shots, though I missed a free target. But in the end, it was enough to win,” the men’s winner reflected.

During the final moments of his race, Nathanael noticed his father in the media zone, working just as hard as he was. “It’s so amazing to be here with him,” he shared, beaming with pride.

“I’m the father of the champion”

“I’m a photographer, and I’m the father of the champion,” said Frank Peaquin, perhaps the happiest dad in Torino on the day. As a proud father and a talented photographer, he captured his son’s victory in stunning detail.

Interestingly, Frank isn’t a full-time photographer; he’s an industrial engineer. Yet, he took on this role to support his son’s dream and document Nathanael’s maiden international competition. Beyond his professional life, Frank is also an accomplished runner, once crowned the French champion in a half-marathon.

His dedication and passion for sports have clearly influenced Nathanael. “I always learn from him. He works hard for what he wants, and that inspires me to do the same,” said the younger Peaquin. On Wednesday, on the mass start track, he proved himself to his father with his victory. “Thank you for being there and encouraging me all these years,” he said gratefully.

A full-circle moment for mass start in Torino

In the women’s 12.5 km final, Ukraine dominated the podium with Daryna Chalyk (41:46.6) and Oleksandra Merkushyna (42:25.5) claiming gold and silver, respectively. Germany’s Luise Mueller, representing the host nation of the 2025 FISU Games Summer, took bronze.

“I have special memories of mass start events. I was a junior world champion and youth champion in this discipline,” shared Merkushyna, who studies at the Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Education. “Competing here, where the first Olympic mass start took place, makes this even more meaningful for me. It’s a kind of mass start magic.”

The Torino 2025 FISU World University Games take place from 13-23 January. Watch all the competitions live on fisu.tv. Click on the link to find the full schedule.

Written by Boyi Yang, FISU Young Reporter, China

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.