February 15, 2010 (Whistler, BC) – Dario Cologna won a historic, first-ever Olympic gold for
Switzerland in the men’s 15km freestyle event on Monday while Canada’s Ivan Babikov gave fans in Whistler and across the country reason to cheer with an 8th place finish setting a new record for best men’s xc ski result at the Olympics. Pierre Harvey’s 14th at the 1988 Games was the top men’s result.Claiming the silver at 24.6 seconds behind was Italy’s Pietro Piller Cottrer, who said the course was too easy when he competed at the Whistler WCup last January. A grinning Lukas Bauer kissed his ski as he got up from the snow, knowing that he had won bronze. It was a tough fight between Bauer and Marcus Hellner (SWE). Hellner started very fast and was leading early in the race, but couldn’t keep the pace to finish 4th
The Canadian men brought their A-game, with three in the top 30 lead by Babikov in 8th at +53.7 seconds out of first – and 18 seconds off the podium. Alex Harvey placed 21st, George Grey was 28th and Gord Jewett was 53rd.
For the Americans it was not the day they hoped for. James Southam led the way in 48th at 2:21.9 minutes behind, followed by Kris Freeman who was uncharacteristically 58th, at +3:05.3. Garrott Kuzzy was 58th and Simi Hamilton was 64th.
Full results here.
Results (brief)
1. Dario Cologna (SUI) 33:36.3
2. Pietro Piller Cottrer (ITA) , +24.6
3. Lukas Bauer (CZE) +35.7
8. Ivan Babikov (CAN) +53.7
21. Alex Harvey (CAN) +1:19.3
29. George Grey (CAN) +2:16.7
48. James Southam (USA) +2:21.9
51. Kris Freeman (USA) +3:05.3
53. Gord Jewett (CAN)
57. Garrott Kuzzy (USA)
65. Simeon Hamilton (USA)