Born: 4 April 1970

Birthplace: Neuhaus (Germany)

Nationality: Germany

Sport: Biathlon

ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Albertville 1992

Lillehammer 1994

AWARDS

Olympic medals:

Gold: 3

Silver: 1

Other results:

World Championships

Gold: 7 (90, 91, 93, 95)

Silver: 1 (97)

Bronze: 2 (90, 93)

Perfect Shooting Under Pressure

Biathlete Mark Kirchner had won the last two world championships at 10km, but had been shooting poorly in the pre-Olympic season. At the Olympics however, Kirchner hit every shot and won by almost 16 seconds. Four days later, he skied the third leg in the 4x7.5km relay and put Germany ahead to stay.

After earning this second gold medal, Kirchner entered the 20km and finished second behind upset winner Yevgeny Redkin. Only 21 years old, Kirchner received 10,000 letters of congratulations and 6,000 requests for autographed photographs. In 1994, Kirchner earned another gold medal in the 4x7.5km relay.