Three-time Olympic champion embraces last-place skier at cross-country men’s 15km final

After crossing the finish line to secure his third Olympic gold medal, Finnish cross-country skier Iivo Niskanen patiently waited at the finish line for the last man to complete the course. That was skier Carlos Andres Quintana of Colombia who clocked a time of 55 minutes and 41.9 seconds, nearly 18 minutes slower than Niskanen.

Many of his fellow competitors had long since left the course, but nothing was going to stop Niskanen from greeting and congratulating Quintana on a job well-done.

The Finn told reporters “all athletes must respect each other” and acknowledged the work they’ve done to compete on the world stage.

“Everyone worked hard to be here. You have to show this kind of respect at the Olympics towards countries that don’t have much budget to get the best results, unlike the best nations.”

The 36-year-old Quintana had only picked up the sport three years ago after watching the last Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. He was touched by the show of support.

“Yes. It was a good moment there. And then the Norwegian also congratulated me (bronze medalist Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo),” he said.

Niskanen has now won three Olympic gold medals. He won the 50km classic race in PyeongChang 2018 and the classic team sprint at the 2014 Sochi Games. All gold medals are special of course, but his latest had added importance to him.

“This victory means a lot to me. I was fourth, 0.2 seconds behind the medal in Sochi, at this distance, and it’s been a long eight years to wait for this race again in the Olympic program.”