"Now is a special moment in the biathlon world when we should all remember Halvard Hanevold," said SVT's commentator Ola Bränholm when the arena held a silent minute for the Norwegian, who won Olympic gold at the distance in Nagano in 1998.

SVT's expert Helena Ekholm thought it was a good time for the competition.

- It feels very good. He has meant a lot to biathlon. He has been with us for many years.

In addition to the distance gold in 1998, Hanevold was also included in the relay team, which won in Vancouver 2010 and Salt Lake City in 2002. In addition, he has two Olympic silver, one Olympic bronze and five World Championship gold.

Halvard Hanevold should have turned 50 yesterday.

ARCHIVE: Norwegian biathlon Halvard Hanevold buried (September 20, 2019)

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