Canada claim first Olympic gold on home soil
On Sunday, Canada finally claimed their first-ever gold on home soil. Alexandre Bilodeau did the honors in the men's mogul event. Defending champion, Vancouver-born Dale Begg-Smith of Australia, finished a close second, while Bryon Wilson of the US was third, followed by Canadians Vincent Marquis and Pierre-Alexandre Rousseau.
 Vincent Jay (AFP Photo / Emmanuel Dunand) |
Meanwhile, there was a shock winner in the men's biathlon sprint.
Frenchman Vincent Jay sprang out of nowhere to win the 10-kilometer race, mainly thanks to his perfect aim on the shooting ranges, as well as to a shower of sleet and gusts of wind, which spoiled the race for the favorites.
Croat Jacob Fatch was also flawless, but had to settle for bronze behind Emil Hegle Svendsen of Norway, who missed one shot.
Russia's best in the race, Ivan Cherezov could only finish tenth.
 Martina Sablikova (AFP Photo / Saeed Khan) |
Jason Lamy Chappuis won the 10km cross-country, despite starting from 5th following the ski jumping part of the event.
American Johnny Spillane and Italian Alessandro Pittin took silver and bronze respectively.
Over at the Richmond Olympic Oval, the women's 3,000-meter speed skating event was interrupted midway through due to a problem with the ice.
The top spot eventually went to Czech Martina Sablikova, who finished comfortably ahead of the silver medalist, Stephanie Beckert of Germany. Canada settled for a bronze from Kristina Groves.
