Bjoergen dominates cross country skiing

Marit Bjoergen of Norway captured her second consecutive gold medal at the 2010 Olympic Games, in the ladies 15km pursuit on Friday.

Sweden’s Anna Haag won silver while heavy favourite Justyna Kowalczyk of Poland almost missed the podium but managed to take bronze.

Kowalczyk has been the overall World Cup leader and was expected to put in a strong performance despite her fifth-place finish in the 10km freestyle event. She was the leader of the pack for the first 7.5km but could not hold on.

Gold medalist Bjoergen had a strong race as she took the lead and would eventually create a gap to pull away at the 12.9km mark. With the win, she claimed her third 2010 Olympic medal.

From there on it was a race for second place as the Norwegian would be unreachable.

On the last turn, Haag pulled away and sprinted towards the finish line leaving the other women race for third.

Norwegian Kristin Stoermer Steira and Kowalczyk anxiously awaited their results at the finish line as it was a photo finish that determined the bronze medal. Kowalczyk edged Steira just enough to claim victory.

All four Canadians were able to move up spots after the pit stop. The top Canadian was Sara Renner who finished 10th overall.

Madeleine Williams came in 41st place, Dasha Gaiazova in 47th, and Perianne Jones crossed in 57th spot.

Kristina Smigun of Estonia, who was considered for a possible medal, ended her day with a potential injury as she was seen walking down a hill in some discomfort.

Steira is the 2009 World Cup silver medallist in this event but had a disappointing fourth place finish.

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By: Rosa Garcia
Posted: Feb 19 2010 6:40 pm
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Filed under: Winter Games
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