MOSCOW, February 20 Norwegian skier Johannes Klebo said that in mass start at the Olympics, his body could not withstand the stress during the race. On Saturday at the Beijing Olympics, skiers ran a mass start freestyle for 28.4 kilometers. The distance was shortened from 50 kilometers due to bad weather. The race was won by Russian Alexander Bolshunov, his compatriot Ivan Yakimushkin finished second. Klebo retired from the race at the 21st kilometer. The Norwegian later stated that he was experiencing severe stomach pains. «Two days ago I took this picture between all the visits to the toilet. I was hoping for a better end to this Olympics. Anyway, yesterday I decided to give myself a chance and see if my body can handle it, but he couldn't take it. Of course, I wouldn't have gone to the start if there was another athlete in the reserve, but he was not. So I felt that I was not taking someone's place when I went to the start. I really don't know what «I had a stomach problem. But now it doesn't matter anymore. Before the Olympics, I did everything to be as prepared as possible. But, like at the World Championships last year, I did not manage to win a medal in the longest distance. Next year I will have to try again,» Klebo wrote on his Instagram page. At the 2022 Games, the Norwegian skier won two gold, one silver and one bronze medals.
