Krasnaya Polyana, Russia (SportsNetwork.com) - Russia closed out the biathlon with a gold medal in the men's 4x7.5-kilometer relay, denying Norwegian Ole Einar Bjoerndalen a Winter Olympics record ninth gold medal.
Bjoerndalen, the third of Norway's four racers, was dominant during his run, going 5-for-5 through both of his shooting stations and handed Emil Hegle Svendsen a two-second lead after the final exchange.
Svendsen, though, misfired from both the prone and standing positions, forcing him to take a penalty lap, while allowing Russia and Germany to move in front.
With Bjoerndalen's chance at history gone, it became a neck-and-neck race down the stretch, but Russian Anton Shipulin pulled away from Germany's Simon Schempp over the final 100 yards to help Russia claim the gold with a time of 1 hour, 12 minutes and 15.9 seconds, 3.5 seconds ahead of the Germans.
Russia was a bronze medal winner in this event in Vancouver.
Austria, meanwhile, claimed the bronze, finishing in 1:12:45.7. It had been a silver medal winner four years ago.
The 40-year-old Bjoerndalen, participating in his sixth and likely final Olympic Games, had moved past cross-country skiing compatriot Bjorn Daehlie for the most medals all-time in the Winter Olympics with a gold medal win in the mixed relay on Wednesday.
Another win on Saturday would have vaulted him past Daehlie for most golds all-time in the Winter Olympics.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.