In what has been such a disappointing Olympics for the U.S. speedskaters, Friday they finally won a medal in the men’s 5,000 meter short track team relay.
The Associated Press has reported that the U.S. won the silver medal, finishing behind the Russians, who won the gold. China took the bronze medal in the event.
Russia just beat the U.S.’s 6:42.371 time with a time of 6:42.100. China’s 6:48.341 time held up for a medal after an early crash.
USA Today notes that the short-track relay was the final chance for the Americans to earn a medal at the Sochi Games after going 0-for-19 in the other speedskating competitions.
"It's a huge weight off our back," said Jordan Malone of the U.S. relay team. "We went into that race, and our coach told us, 'I'm tired of seeing other countries celebrate out there rather than us.' We went into the last race knowing we were the last hope for a medal for speedskating."
It may not be the gold medal, but a silver medal is something to be very proud of especially in such a down year for U.S. speedskating.
Thanks to Malone, Eddy Alvarez, Chris Creveling and J.R. Celski the speedskating team is not leaving Sochi empty-handed.