Team Russia wins the 4X5km Women’s Cross-Country Relay

The Russian Team of Natalia Baranova-Masolkina, Larisa Kurkina, Yulia Tchepalova, and Evgenia Medvedeva-Abruzova (what a mouthfull) takes the Gold (54 minutes 47.7 seconds) at the 4X5km Women’s Cross-Country Skiing Relay.

However, their victory didn’t come easy. Evi Sachenbacher Stehle built a considerable 12.5 second lead for the German team, in desperate chase were the Russian, Italian, Swedish, and Norwegian Skiers.

Medvedeva-Abruzova ecstatic after crossing the finish line
(Source: NBC)

Just when everybody thought that Germany was running away with the Gold, Claudia Kuenzel lost steam in the last leg of the relay, squandering the huge advantage as the trailing skiers caught up with her.

After Medvedeva-Abruzova separated herself from the pack, there was no catching her. In a move reminiscence of Lindsey Jacobellis’ ‘hot dog‘ maneuver, Medvedeva-Abruzova stopped before the finish line and blew kisses to her fans. I think I saw a couple of teammates and coaches went down with heart attacks at that point.

Norway’s bad luck streak continues as the heavily favored Norwegian team could only manage a fifth place finish. Earlier today, defending Biathlon Champion Ole Einar Bjoerndalen of Norway also lost the Gold.