Vanessa Voigt: Team-mates make cardboard medal for German star after podium heartache

German athlete Vanessa Voigt was left heartbroken after missing out on a bronze medal by just 1.3 seconds in the individual biathlon. Norway’s Marte Olsbu Roeiseland — who now has three medals at the Games — edged ahead of her in the event, which was won by Voigt's compatriot Denise Herrmann. Ad/> However, after seeing their team-mate go so close to a place on the podium, fellow biathletes Benedikt Doll and Philipp Nawrath thought their friend deserved some recognition.

/> Beijing 2022'Fantastic performance' — Roeiseland storms to emotional biathlon gold5 HOURS AGO The pair reached for the craft box and found their creative side to make Voigt a medal. Complete with a neck strap, the shiny red and gold cardboard pendant is accompanied by a large number four, while Voigt will not be allowed to forget where she received it with «Beijing 2022» written in bold gold letters. The German biathlon governing body shared a picture on Instagram of the 24-year-old donning the work of art, with the caption “Proud would be an understatement”.

/> Voigt admits the gesture has raised her spirits, saying “the motivation boost is definitely there. The rest of the team is in good shape too”. Following her disappointment, it was Voigt who led the way from a German point of view in the women’s sprint, with the highest placement of 18th, while Herrmann finished 22nd and Franziska Preuss took 30th place.

There is still much to play for, with the 10km pursuit taking place on Sunday. Roeiseland will lead the field after her victory in the sprint, while Sweden’s Elvira Oberg and Dorothea Wierer of Italy are also well placed. Roeiseland wins her third medal in Beijing with gold in biathlon sprint Ecstatic Herrmann celebrates with team-mates after