19 Feb 2014

Dramatic finish to delayed Sochi biathlon

11:24 am on 19 February 2014

The twice-postponed mens' biathlon at the Winter Olympics produced the most dramatic of finishes with Norway's Emil Hegle Svendsen claiming his third Olympic title in a photo finish with the Frenchman Martin Fourcade who was bidding for a golden hattrick in Sochi.

In a memorable race, the 15-kilometre biathlon mass start developed into a two-man sprint to the line, and the Norwegian seemed to have sealed victory when he pulled away.

But Fourcade, who had won the 20-kilometre and 12.5-kilometre pursuit gold medals, fought back to lunge towards the finish just as Svendsen raised his arms in celebration.

The official television feed initially showed Fourcade as the winner, but after a photo finish was examined Svendsen was awarded the victory.