Skiing on a fractured foot, Justyna Kowalczyk of Poland won the gold medal in the women’s 10km classic cross-country race in Sochi Feb. 13.
From the start Polish skier Justyna Kowalczyk took the lead and held it as the race went on. She finished 18. 4 seconds ahead of silver medalist Charlotte Kalla of Sweden.
Kowalczyk said it was a big win for her, because she had to fight not only her opponents, but also her injury. The skier broke her left foot last month.
Before the race, Kowalczyk posted a photo of the X-ray on her Facebook page, but said she was not going to withdraw from her favourite event.
It was Kowalczyk’s second Olympic gold medal. She took top spot in the 30K classical-style mass-start race in Vancouver four years ago
Other athletes in the Winter Olympics who have competed with such injuries include:
