IOC member apologizes for run-in with security

An IOC member expelled from the Pyeongchang Olympics over a run-in with a security guard is also one of the only members openly critical of President Thomas Bach’s move to allow Russian athletes to compete at the games.

Adam Pengilly, a vice president of the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation, apologized and acknowledged running through the security checkpoint at his hotel and using course language on Thursday.

He denied accusations that he pushed the guard in the incident.

Pengilly, who is British, was one of only two IOC members who didn’t support the decision allowing Russians to compete in Pyeongchang in the wake of a massive doping scandal.

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea — Switzerland’s Dario Cologna has solidified his legacy as one of the best distance cross-country skiers of all time.

Cologna, known throughout his sport as “Super Dario,” became the first cross-country skier to win three Olympic gold medals in the same event, capturing the 15-kilometer freestyle in dominating fashion Friday. He also won the race in Vancouver in 2010 and Sochi in 2014.

“It takes a lot of effort to just to win one gold medal,” Cologna said. “To write a little bit of history feels pretty good.”

Cologna’s three-peat gave Switzerland its first gold medal of the Pyeongchang Games.

It might have been his fourth career gold medal overall, but this one was special for him. His family was there to cheer him on, and he broke down in tears after the race knowing the win pulled him even with ski jumper Simon Ammann and artistic gymnast Georges Miez for the most gold medals in his country’s history.

Cologna said he felt good from the beginning. He dominated on the inclines, stomping up the hill like a machine to win the race in 33 minutes, 43.9 seconds, more than 18 seconds ahead of Simen Hegstad Krueger of Norway. Krueger took silver to give the Norwegian men their first medal in this event since 2002.

“Dario was in another league today,” Krueger said. “He was amazingly strong. To take a silver medal is a victory for me.”

Canada’s Alex Harvey called Cologna’s win superimpressive, saying “he’s got a huge engine and a cool head.”

“He’s been dominating this year,” Harvey said. “I’m really happy for him. He’s a great guy. It’s good to see non-Scandinavian countries on the top of the podium. So it’s good for the sport I think.” Krueger left happy, as well. It was his second medal of the Pyeongchang Games. He also captured gold in the 30-kilometer skiathlon.