Emma Lunder takes biathlon silver at IBU Cup

Canada’s Emma Lunder delighted the hometown crowd with the first silver medal of her career in the women’s 7.5-kilometre sprint race at the IBU Cup in Canmore, Alta. on Saturday afternoon.

The 24-year-old turned out her best biathlon performance, shooting clean and clocking the second-place time of 19:51.5.

“To do it in Canmore, with my mom cheering and everyone who has supported me for the last five years while I’ve lived here is amazing,” said an emotional Lunder of her first medal.

“I knew I could have a good race, but there is now way I expected this. I’m just so glad I can represent our entire team.”

Lunder made up 15 seconds on the field in her final loop to secure her first podium.

“That last loop I said to myself ‘You know this course better than any other girl so do whatever you can to make up seconds,” said Lunder.

“There was people all over the course cheering my name and it was such an amazing day.”

Germany’s KarolineHorchler also shot clean en route to the gold-medal winning time of 19:46.4. France's Marine Bolliet claimed the bronze.

In the men’s race Marc-Andre Bedard led the Canucks in the 10-kilometre sprint with a 21st place finish.

The competition continues Sunday with another sprint race.