Winter Olympics: Alexander Bolshunov stars ahead of Manic Monday feat. Mikaela Shiffrin – Best of Beijing

BEST MOMENTS OF DAY 3 Bolshunov's redemption Ad/> Prior to today, Alexander Bolshunov was best known for whacking a rival with his ski pole in frustration during a sprint finish. And while he’s still best known for that, he’s at least added an Olympic gold medal to his collection after a dominant win in the men’s 30km skiathlon. Beijing 2022Georgian luger fulfils late cousin’s dream 12 years on, Brit’s Covid battle – Beijing diary4 HOURS AGO The Russian even found time to take a celebratory swig of water and gleefully shake his fist as he cruised through the final stages of the race, delighting our man Patrick Winterton in the commentary box.

“I have never, ever seen him celebrate prior to crossing the line! This is the one that he has wanted for so long,” beamed Winterton. Bolshunov rolled down the finish straight with the historic and famous flag of the Russian Olympic Committee held aloft. Fortunately none of his rivals could muster a late move as we all know what would have happened.

She's just 15 They’ll be dancing on the streets of Russian Olympic Committee tonight for sure, with Bolshunov’s heroics coming on the back of Kamila Valieva’s flawless routine in the women’s singles that propelled ROC to the top of the figure skating team standings. The 15-year-old – a phrase that makes us think we may not have fulfilled our own potential – became just the fourth woman in history to land a triple axel as she underlined why she is the overwhelming favourite for women’s singles gold later in the Games. We’re also a big fan of her mind games.

When asked if she was unbeatable prior to the Games, Valieva just shrugged. Impeccable self-belief. “All the best qualities of a figure skater come together in this fragile girl,” ice