President of the Russian Ski Racing Federation Elena Vyalbe praised the victory of skier Alexander Bolshunov at a distance of 28.5 kilometers in the freestyle mass start at the Beijing Olympics. Her words are quoted by Championship.com.
“Bolshunov became the third king of skis. God, I’m so happy now! Another Vanka Yakimushkin came second. The guys tuned in for “fifty kopecks”, they wanted to run. The result was such a culmination, ”said Vyalbe. She added that the Russian skiers were able to run 50 kilometers, and felt that the organizers decided too early to reduce the distance.
Earlier on February 19, Bolshunov won the gold medal in the mass start, becoming a three-time Olympic champion. In second place is the Russian Yakimushkin. The third was the Norwegian Simen Hegstad Kruger. Norwegian Johannes Klebo retired from the race.
The marathon was postponed for an hour and shortened from 50 kilometers to 30. The reason was squally wind and low temperature at the race venue.
Bolshunov won three gold medals, one silver and one bronze at the Beijing Games. The Olympics in China will last until February 20.
Source: Lenta
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