Record breaking runs and dramatic falls as Canada and Norway take speed skating team pursuit gold at the Winter Olympics

Canada set a new Olympic record to take gold in a dramatic end to the women’s speed skating team pursuit final, as a Japanese fall gifted the Canadians victory in the dying moments. Japan — who breezed through their semi-final, beating the ROC by nearly seven seconds — had been in control from the start, quickly establishing an impressive lead of 0.93 seconds, and were seemingly on course to beat their own Olympic record.

Ad/> However, Isabelle Weidemann vigorously led the fightback from the front as Canada narrowed the gap lap-after-lap as the race approached it’s thrilling conclusion. /> Beijing 2022From 2016 to 2022: Jackson's remarkable journey to speed skating goldA DAY AGO From 2016 to 2022: Jackson's remarkable journey to speed skating gold Not very Kleba! USA speed skater crashes while celebrating in comical gaffe Beijing 2022 Olympic Games: Schedule, big names, key events and more Sensing their opponents making up time, the Japanese team felt the pressure and as they attempted to pick up their speed to get over the line for a gold medal, Nana Takagi — who was racing at the back of their trio — fell on the final bend and was sent sprawling across the ice.

With the team’s time only recorded once all racers crossed the line, Japan’s hopes of being Olympic champions were over as Canada overtook them to set a new record in a time of 2:53:44. «Tears for Japan” was the shout from the commentary box as Canada took the title in the „most dramatic and impressive fashion”.

The Netherlands took bronze, finishing ahead of the Russian Olympic Committee by 1.79 seconds, but there was little in the way of celebrations with the Dutch team clearly disappointed after being beaten by Canada in the semi-final. /> In the men’s event,