'Suffer in peace': Norwegian cross-country skiing star Klaebo wins gold medal, helps exhausted rival at finish line
Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo clinched his eighth Olympic gold medal in the 10km race but his actions after the finish had people talking.
The 29-year-old Norwegian star made his trademark late surge to win the interval-start race.
His time of 20 minutes, 36.2 seconds gave him his eighth career gold medal, tying fellow countrymen Marit Bjoergen, Bjoern Daehlie and Ole Einar Bjoerndalen for the most ever at the Winter Olympics.
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"It’s a special day,” Klaebo said. “This one means a lot for sure ... I’m lost for words.”
Following his win, Klaebo stayed around the finish line to help fellow countryman Einar Hedegart, who dropped to the floor in physical exhaustion when crossing for third place.
"Klaebo comes over to congratulate him, but this is a similar scene to what we saw at the World Cup," Eurosport's Scott Dixon said.
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"Hedegart went over to the guy who came second by just a fraction. Getting the skis off for him, so he can really suffer in peace."
Speaking after the race, Hedegart said there were chances to win the race but his body didn't hold up.
Klaebo checks on his teammate. Nine
"I am happy with the bronze even though I definitely had the opportunity to take gold and to beat Johannes," Hedegart said.
"But this is my debut and I am not at the level that Johannes is right now. It's not just to show up and take home the gold. It's the first time he's beaten me. We'll make sure we have a party anyway."
Klaebo attended to an exhausted Hedegart. Nine
The all-time mark could soon be Klaebo's alone. He's scheduled to compete three more times at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium.
On a warm day that left some skiers racing only in their bibs, Klaebo paced himself over the first half of the race before pouring it on late.
The result was his third gold since arriving in Italy, and a small nod to the toll it's taking. Klaebo fell into the snow shortly after crossing the finish line.
