St. Olaf grad fourth in Paralympics event in Italy

By Jay Weiner, Star Tribune

Last update: March 11, 2006 - 11:02 AM

Kelly Underkofler of St. Paul finished fourth in the 12.5 kilometer standing biathlon race at the 2006 Winter Paralympics in Sestriere, Italy.

Underkofler, a St. Olaf College grad, led through the first 2.5K of the race and had nearly flawless shooting. But her shooting failed her as the race continued. On her third shooting stop, she missed three shots, costing her 3 minutes of penalty time and pushing her back in the pack.

The gold medal went to Anne Floriet of France (47:45.10).

"It stings a little bit to know that I was so close to winning a medal," said Underkofler, who was born without the lower part of her left arm.

Underkofler is entered in five more Paralympics races, the sprint biathlon and four cross-country races.

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