February 15, 2014 (Sochi, Russia) – Sweden’s anchor Charlotte Kalla continued her stellar showing at the Sochi Games, as she stole the show on the final leg of the women’s 4x5m relay, eliminating a 25.7s deficit to catch leaders Krista Lahteenmaki (FIN) and Denise Herrmann (GER), with 100m to go.

Final sprint (l-r) Kalla, Lahteenmaki, Herrmann © Nordic Focus

Taking the inside line on the final corner Kalla drove it home for a stunning gold medal performance as Lahteenmaki took the silver and Herrmann the bronze. The win ended a 46-year drought as the last time Sweden podiumed in the women’s relay was 1968 and their previous relay gold was in 1960. Kalla is also the first athlete to win three medals at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

It was a disappointing day for the US and Norwegian teams, who were looking for podium spots but the cards were not in their favour as both were playing catch up from the start. Norway has dominated the women’s relay but could not muster the same prowess settling for 5th as anchor Marit Bjoergen could not match or catch Kalla who was on fire.

Randall (l) battling for position in the first leg © Nordic Focus

The US rebounded from 12th to 8th but the deficit was too great to contend for the podium and regain their momentum after placing third at relay in Lillehammer, Norway this past Dec. Anchor Jessie Diggins pushed herself so hard she missed the finishing lane and had to circle back losing a spot to Italy in the process and ended up 9th.

It was a tough day at the office as well for Team Canada ending up 14th as warm conditions once again made for challenging skiing at the Games.

Full report, interviews and photos to follow.

Results here.
Results detail here.

Final podium (l-r) Finland 2nd, Sweden 1st, Germany 3rd © Nordic Focus