February 16, 2018 (PyeongChang, South Korea) – Canada’s Alex Harvey was on track for a great result but in the end finished 7th in the men’s 15km free as Dario Cologna (SUI), 31, became the first cross-country skier to win three Olympic titles in one specific event.

Simen Hegstad Krueger (NOR) claimed the silver finishing 18.3 seconds behind Cologna, while Denis Spitsov (OAR) took the bronze 4.7 seconds further back. It was Krueger’s second medal at PyeongChang 2018 after he won the opening event on the men’s programme, the Skiathlon.

Cologna matched Sixten Jernberg (SWE) on a record three medals in the men’s 15km free/classic at the Olympic Winter Games winning at Sochi 2014 (15km classic) and Vancouver 2010 (15km free). He’s the first cross-country skier to claim three Olympic titles in one specific men’s event.

American Scott Patterson had a strong day finishing 21st followed by Canada’s Graeme Killick in 38th with Erik Bjornsen 41st, Noah Hoffman 48th, Knute Johnsgaard 69th, Devon Kershaw 71st and Tyler Kornfield 74th.

“We did everything we could, the skis were good but the spark just wasn’t there to get on the podium,” said Harvey. “I raced well and was on track but just didn’t have enough at the end – there are no regrets. I’m really happy for Dario he’s a great guy and  good week in and week out. He’s just a great skier technically.”

Killick was pleased with his effort. “My form felt good and I felt better as the race progressed,” said Killick. “This is a good sign with the relay and 50km races to come. I struggled during the Skiathlon but today was better so I’m optimistic.”

Cologna was excited to make the history books with his fourth career Olympic gold medal. “Now I am together with Simon Ammann the only Swiss who won four times in the Olympics (Winter Games). To write a little bit of history is not bad.”

“I had two not-so-easy years, the last two, but really wanted to be back and it feels very good to be back on top.  So many thoughts are going through the head. Very big emotions and many people, the team who helped me a lot, my family who is here, my girlfriend… it is always a great team behind, they all did a very good job,” added Cologna.

Results here.