Krasnaya Polyana, Russia (SportsNetwork.com) - American cross country skiers Simeon Hamilton and Erik Bjornsen helped the United States secure a spot as a lucky loser in the final of the men's team sprint event on Wednesday.
The American duo finished fifth in the second semifinal heat, but with a time of 23 minutes, 29.14 seconds, Hamilton and Bjornsen advanced to the final as one of the six lucky losers.
Germany, the reigning gold medalists in this event, claimed the top spot in the first heat with a time of 23:36.23, followed by the Czech Republic with a time of 23:39.06.
Finland finished with the top time of the two semifinal heats, crossing the finish line in 23:26.13, under a second faster than Russia, which finished second in heat two.
Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Kazakhstan and France rounded out the lucky losers heading into Wednesday's final.
Norway and Sweden are at the top of the medal count in cross-country skiing in Sochi, with Norway capturing three golds among its seven medals in cross country, while Sweden has nine medals total, including two golds.
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