Russian marathon hero Alexander Legkov said this gold medal was more precious for him that life.

      In an interview to Championat.com, an online sports news agency, Legkov said he had waiting for this success for 15 years.

      Earlier, Russia-IC reported that it was Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko who strongly encouraged Legkov to fight to Olympic gold.

      The Sports Minister gave all the Russian medalists a hug after their triumphant finish.

      On Sunday, Alexander Legkov, Maxim Vylegzhanin, and Ilya Chernousov swept the podium in the men’s 50km mass start.

      Maxim Vylegzhanin took a sweet revenge against Martin Johnsrud Sundby of Norway, who earlier robbed him of bronze in a skiathlon event. According to the Russian team, the Norwegian crossed into the lane of Maxim Vylegzhanin, gaining an advantage over the Russian who desperately tried to close the narrow gap.

      The judges on site reprimanded Sundby but dismissed the appeal. Sundby acknowledged it was not fair play but said he was too tired to realize what was going on, he was quoted by AP as saying.

      With 33 medals, Russia sets a new all-time record of medal haul, beating Soviet achievements.

      On Saturday, Russian biathletes lead the country to the top of the medal table, securing 11th gold for the host nation.

      Alexey Volkov, Evgeny Ustyugov, Dmitry Malyshko, Anton Shipulin have written their names in the history of Russian sports.

      In a 4*7.5km relay race, they beat Norway, Germany and Austria to prove their strength to thousands of fans at the stands and millions watching the thrilling final at home.

      The closing ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games is scheduled to start at 20.00 Moscow time.

      Maxim Trankov will bear the Russian national flag at the closing ceremony.

      Together with Tatiana Volosozhar, he won gold in pair skating on February 12.

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