Only one medal missing
At the end of the 2010 season, Marit Bjoergen was the third most victorious female skier in the history of the cross country skiing World Cup. In 2002, at the Salt Lake City Olympic Games, Marit won the silver medal in the 10km; in 2006 in Turin, with her Norwegian partners, she finished second in the 4x5km relay. With nine World Championship medals, including four titles, and with Vancouver approaching, the only thing missing was Olympic gold to complete her brilliant record of achievements.
Triumph
In the competitions of these 2010 Canadian Games, the Norwegian brunette could count on her solid experience and her will to win. In the first race, the 10km, she finished third and won the bronze medal. Two days later, she lined up at the start of the sprint event. Placing first in the heats, she went on to dominate her opponents in every round, winning herself the Olympic title. The Games were not over. On top form, Marit Bjoergen also won the 15km combined event, thus earning a second gold medal. She was insatiable, and ended on a high note, winning her third gold medal with the Norwegian relay team in the 4x5km.
Three-tenths after 30km
A sprinter and relay racer, at ease over middle distances and in the two cross country skiing styles (classic and freestyle), she needed to prove herself in the last 30km event to complete this Olympic epic. The sprint was where this lengthy race was decided. In the second straight, the Norwegian could no longer hold off Poland’s Justyna Kowalczyk and finally came in just three-tenths of a second behind her. It was not easy to lose on the finishing line, but with five medals, including three golds, Marit Bjoergen could console herself and see Vancouver as the Olympic pinnacle of her dazzling career.