Martin Ponsiluoma is one of the fastest skiers among biathletes, and people have sometimes suggested, even during the Olympics, that he should switch to cross-country skiing, or at least be offered a place on the Swedish ski relay team.
Ponsiluoma has never been keen to change disciplines, and on Sunday he showed why: when he shoots well, he is the best, as in the Olympic pursuit race.
"Much more stable"
However, he has previously been very inconsistent in his shooting, something he has improved this season.
"This year it's been much more stable. He doesn't have the flops he had before; he's much more stable," says shooting coach Jean-Marc Chabloz.
But it's not only technical shooting details that have made Ponsiluoma's shooting better.
"If you're a good shooter in training but can't do it in competition, it's important to find the little things that make competition a safe place. That's what he's doing now. That's what makes the difference," says Chabloz.
"Take it easy"
Ponsiluoma himself says about the improvement:
"I've been calmer and haven't stressed myself out as much. I've taken it more in stride. That's probably the key," he says.
"I've had a consistent season, but then there were those last few shots. I've probably saved them for today, so just enjoy it."
It is with the help of a sports psychology advisor that he acquired the key to the "shooting lock".
"Over the last two years I've worked a lot more on it. We've had regular conversations about how we think and feel, and we've gone over after competitions what we could have done better. I'm trying to learn all the time."
