There have been plenty of highs and lows for the host nation and China continues to add to its gold medal haul in Sochi, with victory on the ice. But on a much sadder note, early on Saturday morning, Russian ski cross racer Maria Komissarova broke her spine during training. Thankfully, according to a statement from the International Olympic Committee, her emergency operation was successful.
On a another great day of competition for Chinese skaters, China’s short track champion Zhou Yang managed to successfully defend her 15-hundred meter Olympic title. She won the gold medal in dramatic fashion, just avoiding a collision that wiped out three of her rivals.
Meanwhile, hosts Russia ended the day on a high, Alexander Tretiakov won gold in the men’s skeleton and speed skaters Victor An and compatriot Vladimir Grigorev completed a one-two finish in the men’s one-thousand meter short-track event.
But in a much-hyped group-stage men’s ice hockey clash, the United States defeated Russia in a dramatic shoot-out. The teams had finished regulation play level at 2-2, Russia having a third goal controversially wiped out. But in the end, center TJ Oshie, known for his shootout prowess, scored the winner for the US, capping one of the great Olympic encounters between the two nations.
In the men’s speed skating competition, Poland’s Zbigniew Brodka won the 1,500 meter long track gold by the tightest of margins just 3,000ths of a second ahead of rival Koen Verweij of the Netherlands.
