Biathlete Jakov Fak wins the first medal for Slovenia at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang

Jakov Fak said the race was difficult but everything finally fell into place after two dismal events at the games earlier in the week. "I had to pick myself up after two poor performances here, which were a consequence of poor shooting. Today's success is a result of years of hard work," he said.

The result is a vindication for Fak, in more than one way. The medal is the high point of a successful season in which Fak returned to the top of the sport following two difficult years during which he was plagued by poor health. "I had a lot of problems, and even just being able to come back in this was the first victory for me," he said.