Russian skier Nikita Kriukov, who brought Russia its first Vancouver gold in the men's cross-country individual sprint race, said he would win as he had received the blessing from a priest the day before.
Kriukov finished the distance in 3 minutes 36.3 seconds.
"Many thanks to the priest that came to the village yesterday. He blessed us, and that's why I knew everything would be okay today," he said.
The Olympic champion said he hoped his victory would inspire the other members of the Russian Olympic team.
"I believe that the Russian team will take fresh heart and will be winning gold medals untill the end of the Olympics," he said.
WHISTLER, February 18 (RIA Novosti)
