The Royal Couple at World Cup Finals in Holmenkollen
Photo: The Royal Court / Thomas Fure, NTB
King Harald and Queen Sonja watched the biathlon pursuit at Holmenkollen on Saturday. The King also presented the Holmenkollen Medal to Nils Erik Ulset and Franziska Preuss.
King Harald and Queen Sonja were present at Holmenkollen on Saturday to watch the Biathlon World Cup Finals. The Royal Couple followed the pursuit race from the royal stand in glorious spring weather, and congratulated the winners after the race.
Sturla Holm Lægreid won the men's pursuit after an exciting sprint finish, receiving congratulations from the Royal Couple after crossing the finish line. In the women's race, Sweden's Hanna Öberg claimed victory in her own sprint duel.
Hanna Öberg meeting the Royal Couple after her victory. Photo: The Royal Court / Thomas Fure, NTB
After the races, King Harald presented the prestigious Holmenkollen Medal. This year, the medal was awarded to two highly deserving recipients. Norwegian para-athlete Nils Erik Ulset made history as the first para-athlete ever to receive the Holmenkollen Medal. Throughout his long career, Ulset has established himself as one of Norway's foremost para-athletes in cross-country skiing and biathlon, with numerous medals from the Paralympics and World Championships.
The Royal Couple with this year's Holmenkollen Medal recipients. Photo: The Royal Court / Thomas Fure, NTB
The other recipient was German biathlete Franziska Preuss, who has had an outstanding season and won the overall Biathlon World Cup title this season. The Holmenkollen Medal has been awarded since 1895 and is considered one of the most prestigious honours in Norwegian winter sports.