Marit Bjoergen has became the first athlete to win three gold medals at the Vancouver Winter Olympics after leading Norway to a commanding victory in the women's cross country 4 by 5km relay.
Bjoergen held a lead of less than a second when she set off for the final leg at Whistler Olympic Park but she relentlessly pulled away from her rivals before crossing the finish line 25 seconds in front.
The 29-year-old, who had previously struck gold in the 15km pursuit and the individual sprint classic, picked up a Norwegian flag from the crowd in the final straight before jumping into the air in joyful celebration after she completed the course.
Germany took silver while world champions Finland had to settle for the bronze.
