The Canadian men got off to a good start in the relay and were completely involved in the close battle. They continued with that.

And continued. And continued. Until the end.

A sensational bronze medal at the World Championships was finally achieved. The gang from Canada didn’t realize what they were getting into.

– I knew it was possible. But I didn’t think it would happen anyway, said Nathan Smith, who was competing in the second stage.

– I don’t really know how we did it. It was exceptional. The fact that we achieved this is special. We all did our best and it’s amazing, said presenter Green.

– I did not hear anything

Emil Hegle Svendsen came out first on the anchor step. Next came the German Simon Schempp, closely followed by Green.

– I didn’t know how late the others were, because I couldn’t hear anything on the track. I saw the coaches stand up and shout, but I don’t know what. I did everything I had and in the end I realized we had won the bronze medal,” Green said.

The four guys, Smith, Green and brothers Christian and Scott Gow, only used five extra shots. Less than one gold medalist in Norway. None of them are in the top 20 in the World Cup.

Trained in Voss with Himle

On their way to the goal, they notably benefited from the help of Norwegian shooting coach Joar Himle. They went to his house in Voss several times.

– Norwegian coaches have slightly different knowledge and perspective than us. This is the second time we have gone to Voss before a world championship, so I think we will have to do it next year too. It brings happiness, says Smith, who won silver at the World Sprint Championships in Kontiolahti last year.

On Saturday evening, they were greeted by thousands of people, alongside the Norwegian Golden Boys, at the Universitetsplassen in Oslo.

– I feel that the public supported us because we were the underdogs. It’s a spectacular World Cup, they say in unison.

Little attention

At the press conference at the stadium, they were also able to see the enormous pressure placed on the Norwegian athletes at home. While the press rushed towards the podium and almost shook the room, the Canadian team was able to sit down in peace. They smiled and watched.

– It’s pretty crazy. We have seen the videos of these press conferences. It’s quite funny to see how everyone is going crazy for Norwegian gold, Smith says.

– I think we will never have it like this – that someone tramples on us when we have won something. But I hope we get some attention now. This could be mentioned in a news release, he adds with a smile – a real bronze smile, as good as gold.