Dario Cologna of Switzerland wins men’s 15-kilometer freestyle cross-country gold medal

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Switzerland’s Dario Cologna won the men’s 15-kilometer freestyle cross-country race at the Vancouver Games.

“It was an incredible race for me,” Cologna said. “I had a very good feeling from the start. I am so happy. I didn’t believe that I could win the 15K.”

Italian Pietro Piller Cottrer won the silver, finishing 24.6 seconds behind Cologna, and Czech skier Lukas Bauer won the bronze to go with the silver medal he won in the 15-kilometer classical-style race in Turin.

James Southam of Anchorage was the highest American finisher, in 48th place.

-- Houston Mitchell in Vancouver