February 21, 2018 (PyeongChang, South Korea) – Team USA’s Erik Bjornsen (Anchorage, Alaska) and Simi Hamilton (Aspen, Colo.) raced to a 6th-place finish claiming the best Olympic result ever for the United States in men’s cross country skiing.

Canada’s Len Valjas and Alex Harvey finished 8th just off the pace by two spots that the duo set last year at the 2017 Lahti World Championships.

Norway’s Martin Johnsrud Sundby and Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo took home the gold over Alexander Bolshunov, Denis Spitsov the Olympic Athletes from Russia with France’s Maurice Manificat and Richard Jouve winning bronze.

“We’re proud of what we accomplished,” said Hamilton as he and Bjornsen had an incredible day winning their semi final heat. “Obviously it’s always our goal to be on the podium. We both know that we can be up there and maybe someday we will.”

In the final the Americans were in contention but a mishap by Bjornsen saw him hit the snow yet he quickly recovered and tagged Hamilton in 5th for the final leg. Norway’s Klaebo attacked on the final lap and by then it was a three-horse race wih Hamilton battling Italy behind.

Canada fared well through the first half of the final but couldn’t maintain the pace as things heated up when the final finishline drew near. The Canucks battled with Finland and prevailed for 8th on the day. “A top-10 out of a field of 29 countries means you represented your country well,” said Harvey.

Results here.