Marja-Liisa Kirvesniemi won the opening event of...
Marja-Liisa Kirvesniemi won the opening event of the World Nordic Ski Championships at Lahti, Finland, leading the Finns to a sweep of the medals in the women’s 10-kilometer cross-country race.
Kirvesniemi led all the way and beat runner-up Pirkko Maatta by 53.2 seconds, with a time of 29 minutes 19 seconds.
Marjo Matikainen took the bronze medal, giving Finland an unprecedented 90 medals in women’s and men’s world cross-country championship skiing since 1925.
Nancy Fiddler of Bear Valley, Calif., was the top American among 58 finishers, placing 25th in 32:01.9.
The championships continue today with the men’s 30K race.
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