Cross Country Skiing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Games:

The three medalists at the 1987 World Championships had been, in order, Sweden, Soviet Union, and Norway. They were the favorites as no other country had won the Worlds since East Germany back in 1974. Norway was never a factor, in fifth place after the opening leg, and eventually placing sixth. The leader at the first exchange was Switzerland, which had placed Andi Grünenfelder, later a bronze medalist in the 50 km, on their opening leg. But by the end of the second leg, Sweden and the Soviet Union had established themselves as the class of the race, almost in a tie for the lead, with Czechoslovakia another 30 seconds back. But Gunde Svan skied the third leg for Sweden, and he opened up a 27-second lead on Mikhail Devyatyarov, who had fallen while trying to chase Svan. The lead was safe and Torgny Mogren secured the gold medal for Sweden, although Aleksey Prokurorov close the gap to 12.7 seconds, although he had also fallen late in his leg. Czechoslovakia was a distant third. The next four Olympic relays would see Norway and Italy fight out the gold and silver medals.