Jakov Fak shocked Biathlon World by Claiming Victory at age 37.
😍🇸🇮 JAKOV FAK’s FIRST WIN IN 10 YEARS 🏆
— Eurovision Sport (@EurovisionSport) March 13, 2025
Clean shooting in front of his home crowd and a win in the last individual race of the season 🤯
📺🍿 Watch the BMW IBU World Cup LIVE on #EurovisionSport#biathlon #WorldCup #wintersports #biathlonfamily pic.twitter.com/qycCos2uL8
Table of Contents
Jakov Fak: A Normal Morning Before a Historic Win
On the day of his race in Pokljuka, Slovenia, Jakov Fak stuck to his arsenal of habits. A 37-year-old Slovenian woke his three kids, took them to school with his wife after preparing breakfast. Only after fulfilling his parental responsibilities did the 2010 Olympic sprint medalist turn his attention to biathlon.
Flawless in the Rain
Jakov Fak crossed the finish line clean in the short individual at the Biathlon World Cup. Racing in the rain and donning bib number 5, he shot a perfect 20 for 20. This stunning exhibition of accuracy and persistence carried him to one of those victories—his first since March 22, 2015. His resolute approach and mastery made a strong impact on other competitors like 22-year-old French biathlete Eric Perrot.
Eric Perrot Marvels at Fact’s Achievement
Fifteen years younger than Fak, Eric Perrot could hardly believe it. “I think it’s magnificent,” he told Nordic Magazine. “He is a really good person, and what he does in his age is crazy so to follow that up was huge. And I’m the opposite of him — I’m young, and wanting, and it’s OK to want and push on. But to get a win at this level, at his age, I don’t have the words for it. Hats off and bravo!”
The Inspiration Jakov Fak Sparks in Emilien Jacquelin
Fak’s performance did not go unnoticed by other French biathletes, though. Emilien Jacquelin had similarly effusive praise for the veteran. “It’s incredible! I want to grow old like him,” he said. What struck Jacquelin was Fak’s unflagging enthusiasm and energy. “He’s been at the top level, through so many generations coming through and going, and he’s always been at the top level. Now, he’s coming back into impressive physical form. I’m really happy for him, and it’s very good for world biathlon to have other nations winning.”
Slovenia is Others to Join Winners List
Fak’s victory made Slovenia the sixth nation to win a World Cup event this winter. His resilience and commitment are inspiring to young and old athletes alike, proving that age is not an obstacle to reach the highest levels of sport.
