Harbin, China – Ekaterina Avvakumova, a Russian-born biathlete competing for South Korea, has made history by winning the gold medal in the women's 7.5-kilometer sprint event at the Asian Winter Games in Yabuli. This is Korea's first-ever Winter Asiad gold in biathlon, a sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.

Avvakumova, 34, finished the race in a time of 22:45.4, edging out China's Meng Fanqi, who took silver in 22:47.8. Tang Jialin, also of China, won the bronze medal in 23:01.0.

Avvakumova's victory is a significant achievement for the biathlete, who obtained Korean citizenship in 2017. She represented Korea at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, where she achieved the highest placement by a Korean biathlete in Winter Games history, finishing 16th in the 15km individual event.   

Despite her past successes, Avvakumova was not considered a favorite for gold in this event. However, she delivered a stunning performance, leading the race in the early stages and then surging ahead in the final kilometer to secure the victory.

"I am incredibly happy and proud to win this gold medal for Korea," said Avvakumova. "It was a tough race, but I gave it my all, and I am thrilled with the result."

Avvakumova will have another chance to add to her medal tally in the women's 4x6km relay on Thursday.

This gold medal brings Korea's total to 12 at the Harbin Asian Winter Games, which conclude on Friday.

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