Day 16, Part 1 - 12.30pm to 2.30pm Winter Olympics

he has done it for the Stirling cup and here it could have helped Canada

towards a gold medal at the Olympics. A great time to score your

first of the tournament. It has been a bad time for the Chicago boys. We

saw the Americans missed to penalty shots in one game from Patrick

Keynes yesterday but now his team-mate Jonathan Toews has got a

goal that could set Canada in motion towards that back-to-back medal

attempt. Carter provides a service. He started very quietly and may be

disappointingly in the first game against the Norwegians, with Sidney

Crosby, and look at the service there. He has been one of the best

forwards for Canada. The player alongside him was Berglund.

That will have done so much for Canada. The first goal has proved to

be so instrumental. I am pretty certain it is 70% or higher for the

team who scores first, to go on and win the game. Canada, with that

first goal, but have saddled themselves where they want to be.

They haven't had a good scoring percentage, it is half that for

Sweden. Finland opened the scoring against

Sweden in the semifinals. Sweden came back from 1-0, to win by 2-1.

Bergeron has had some great opportunities already. In a gold

medal match, in that gold-medal match with the women, they came back

late to win that one. It's not like it doesn't happen but it really

favours the team which scores first. Canada have that crucial goal. It

also may force Sweden to play a little differently as this game goes

on. They may have two play with less control. That was well saved.

Hagelin has got better as the tournament has gone on. He initially

had to work his way through providing good defensive checking

for the Sweden -- the Swedes. That was a good shot and a good save from

Price. Very calm with how he plays. You saw

the way he walked into the building of the other day with his headphones

on. He is in another place at the moment.

Toews really looks like he has got his feet moving well.

Toews is very busy. In the Swedish mode is he controls the puck while.

He works hard to get it. It came off the boards really funny.

Penalty coming, I think it is against Jonathan Ericsson. A good

shift by Duchene. The power play will go the way of team Canada.

The strength on the puck, keeping their back to the defender, it is

key to Canada's defence. There is Jonathan Erickson who is disputing

the call. He takes his hand off the stick. As soon as he brings his left

hand out, Duchene has already gone around the corner. The official saw

it. Often, it is assumed he will use your big frame to wrap around the

guy. The shot in from Duchene, they were

given a directive to shoot the puck from all angles, from anywhere in

the offensive zone. Another play. Tight angle coming in. That is

St-Louis, he wears number 26. He was a huge fan of one NHL Swedish player

who had a fantastic career. A horrible moment for Jonathan

Ericsson, he had to watch his team-mates from the penalty box.

Canada will have a one-man advantage for this time. It means there will

be extra space on the ice. They will try to isolate Batman on this power

play. -- isolate that man.

Sweden are short-handed here. Doughty tried to make the move,

getting it back up. Canada, recycling possession well.

Sweden have a chance. They can finally take a breath. There was a

play by Toews after Doughty had lost it. Outstanding support on that

power play. 50 seconds to go.

Less than that, five seconds to go. The power play comes to a close.

What did you see there from Canada? Not a whole lot, they are looking to

load up Sharp. It was Toews. Look how many Swedish players there were,

there was no room in front to fire the puck. They didn't allow any

room. Doughty made an extra move, thank goodness Toews was there to

support him. Another three minutes in this first

period. Landers Koch, just 21 years --

Landeskog. Mike Babcock throwing different

players together momentarily. The Canadians have more weapons as you

can see right now. A long-range shot by Weber, he has

that huge shot. That was sloppy by the Canadians.

They allowed it to bounce around. Fascinating stuff, this. The way

that the teams are just neutralising one another for long periods of

time. Tactically, the two coaches have to be right on it.

Canada will just try to kick this puck. Under 30 seconds to go.

Penalty coming. Against the Canadians. Sweden will have a power

play. Driving right at the middle, very direct. The whistle will blow.

Kunitz will get it for high-sticking. The soup -- the

referee is suggesting the stick got up. He was low, trying to prevent

the deflection past him. Kunitz had his stick elevated, it tapped him

across the head area. This is a crucial power play for Sweden. Who

scored once every three times, or better.

12 seconds. Until the period closes. Alfredsson swept it was the net.

Canada will just about get themselves to the period end.

As the period comes to a close. There is one goal in it, coming from

Toews. As we get another chance to see a shot from Benn which went over

the top. Canada in the box seats. What can Sweden do? They need to

take advantage of the power play to start the second period. They have

been good defensively but they need more pressure in the offensive zone

and push this Canadian team back. Canada are looking for their ninth

gold medal. They have the edge. It is a slight one.

We will be back live for the second period. News of other medals so far

today. In the cross country, a clean sweep

for the Russians. They will be getting their medals tonight in the

closing ceremony. And the four-man bob, John Jackson and his crew went

into the final run, just 0.18 seconds from a broad spread. They

put down a very, very solid final effort and they took the lead with

that. Then they just had to wait and see what happened. They were pushed

down progressively and by the time the penultimate bobsleigh piloted by

Oskars Melbardis went down, eventually they were pushed out of

the medal positions as Latvia went into the lead. With one last run to

go, it was Zubkov of Russia going for a second gold. He had already

won the two man bobsleigh. He delivered another gold medal to

Russia on this final day. It certainly has been a remarkable

close to the sport here in Sochi. The sort of thing that Vladimir

Putin would have dreams of. In the end, two gold medals has proved to

be quite an end to the Sochi Games. There is one more medal to be

decided, the men's ice hockey. The Canadians will be hoping to follow

in the footsteps of the women's team who secured a dramatic victory over

the US. She scores! The Americans draw first

blood! A snapper from the captain, who leads by example. She goes top

shelf. Loose play from the Canadians allowed the American attack to come

in. Duggan, digging deep, captaining America and opening up the scoring

in this match. Look at that, high into the Canadian goal. It is a

thing of beauty, as you see the American bench, they know how much

that goal means. Cough into hanging onto that.

Back towards the blue line. -- Carpenter. That was tipped just

wide. Back door, and she scores! The red light is on! Is this going to be

the golden goal, I wonder? This is great movement of the puck

to the boards, and right across. Some great handiwork.

The measure twice, cut once. Carpenter cuts the Canadian hopes

into shreds of getting another medal. Canada are running out of

time and they are also running out of ideas. Will it change with Jenna?

That is a goal out of absolutely nothing. The Canadian school and now

we will have a grand slam finish. These two, so is closely matched and

now there is just one goal between them and the Canadians have a tiny

bit of relief. They could come back in this one and hard work makes this

goal and a bit of luck goes along way. Jenner comes along and creates

her own fortune. This is Brianne Jenner and if this touch was

redirected I am not sure but it came off Jenner and she had a burst of

speed and it is going to go off on the defenceman and I think Jenner

will get credit for it. They have looked so I'm likely all day. This

one goes down the ice and it could seal it. Off the post! So close. The

net is empty away to the right hand side.

Hillary Wickenheiser is denied! Was that chance? You suspect the

Canadians was going to have a chance. It comes out again and they

have scored. The Canadians have levelled it. They have 54 seconds to

go are you kidding me? The Americans cannot believe what is happening.

The relief for the maple leaves. They were dead and buried at 2-0

down and in three and a half minutes they have come back and Poulin, she

is compared to Crosby and she has just stuck her name into folklore.

This is something else. Hold onto your seats because we have one

minute left to go and we are level. You may as well booked in for bed

and breakfast because we have over time all over again. 20 minutes,

sudden death. Hillary Wickenheiser again.

That is a goal. A golden goal for Canada! Marie-Philip Poulin 1's

goals. -- wins goal. Now she wins it. Canada! Canada finish on top

again and the Americans have too settle for silver. An amazing game,

finished by an amazing player. Like they did in 2002, 2006 and 2010, the

Canadians will finish on top of the podium here.

It was a comeback or most of Ben Ainslie and Oracle proportions. A

remarkable few minutes. The inspirational character behind it is

a five-time, or six time Olympian, because she competed in softball in

depth Summer Olympics. Hayley Wickenheiser.

Thank you for joining me, have you recovered from that final? That is a

game that will sit with us for a long time.

You almost feel as though you are in a dream that it happened. An amazing

game and the finish that nobody expected. They did not. With five

minutes to go you looked dead and buried. You are the captain, what

were you saying? We were trying to keep people really calm between the

third period and the overtime we talked about getting carbs in and

getting fluid ready to go. We had put in so much training and so much

time that we felt we had a physical and mental edge to go into the

finals because we have played so many difficult games coming up to

the Olympics. My team was calm and we have a lot of veteran players

that kept everybody on task. You had three goals before this one and a

silver and you played in all the ice hockey tournaments in the Winter

Olympics, you have known how that little bit of luck can change things

and you had a little bit of luck in the first goal. We did. There was a

goal post that the puck hit and it could have gone in the net if it

just been two inches the other way. You create your own luck and we

stuck with and we got a few breaks, there was no question but we had a

lot of chances to score earlier in the game, as did they and when you

do not take advantage of it sometimes it comes back. It could

have gone either way we are not lost on that but we are going to enjoy

the victory. Both with your victory of the mentors Mac over the US, I

think it has been very sweet for the Canadians. It has been a good

Olympics for Canada in the hockey and with the men today playing for

the gold medal, if they could pull that off it would be three Olympics

consecutively with men and women getting gold medals which would be

big for Canada. How do you see that match? We are a better team through

the line-up defensively and we have a great defensive end and good size

and speed. The Swedes know how to play on the big ice and Henrik

Lundqvist is great goal-tender but we have more depth and if they play

physical and with a lot of pace I think Sweden will have a hard isn't

it. You are on the IOC athletes commission. What would you hope to

achieve as part of that group isn't it. You are on the IOC athletes

commission. What would you hope to achieve as part of that sport

forward within the IOC and keep it in the interest of the athletes but

this commission seems to really dedicated to doing that. There are a

lot of athletes that know what they are doing and have been around for a

long time for a long your career. I you going to -- tell us about your

career. I you ready to retire? I want to keep playing. I have got a

lot of things going on and -- tell us about your career. I you ready to

retire? I want to keep playing. I have got a lot of things going on

and with Teemu Selanne and who said I shouldn't quit because you can

still win at 40 -- I applied to medical school because I have to

think about life after hockey. I feel great as an athlete and I spent

last night hanging around with Teemu Selanne and who said I shouldn't

quit because you can still win at you might win a gold medal.

Congratulations, thank to defend her title with the Canadian team. One of

the you would not bet against Hayley being back in 2018 to defend her

title with the Canadian team. One of the things I get a chance to chat to

her about was the first time that she is a ice hockey player to play

in a men's league. She played over you saw how rough and and you saw

how rough and ready it is a top job with the IOC athletes commission who

look at the athletes and their dual careers and that sort of thing. Good

luck with that. Very shortly we will go back to the second period of the

ice hockey final but here is the story of the first period.

First hockey gods are smiling on Canada right the hockey gods are

smiling on Canada right Patrice Bergeron snaps it off the post. He

have the first goal in the can Canada retain and win three in a

row in terms of can Canada retain and win three in a row in terms of

Olympic ice hockey can Sweden come back do you think?

Without doubt. They have so much offensive can Sweden come back do

you think? Without doubt. They have so much offensive talent on that

team at it who could very well chip into this. This building has had a

habit of giving us exciting matches in both the men and the women's

tournaments. It will be a big surprise if this one did not have

some more twists and turns in the tail. This powerplay to start the

second period for Sweden is a great opportunity for them to level the

period right away. Erik Karlsson will shoot the puck

Erik Karlsson who could very well chip into this. This building has

had a habit of giving us exciting matches in both the men and women's

tournaments. It will be a big surprise if this one did not have

some more twists and turns in the tail. This powerplay to start the

second period for Sweden is a great opportunity for them to level the

period right away. Erik Karlsson will shoot the puck from the blue

Henrik Ling Crist could shut the door there but great chances to take

advantage in these key games. Many of them have two goals Karlsson has

four goals to his name as well as for Erik Karlsson has four goals to

his name as well as four the moment. The powerplay for Sweden with the

way Erik Karlsson is playing is dangerous. You cannot take it

lightly. The Canadians are playing great offence but the Swedes can

Break your heart in a moment and they can do it in this exact

situation here. They are so ruthless and clinical -- and kill this try

and kill need to maintain their momentum and put their building

blocks in place to throw up the wall of defence that they have been

employing all and they need to maintain their momentum and put

their building blocks in place to throw up the wall of defence that

they have been employing all tournament. One problem for Sweden

they have they have lot of players coming up to -- a lot of players

coming up are they going to have enough depth

to moving it well, Hagelin. Canada are

happy to leave Sweden in possession out wide. In the end, they have made

a mistake. That could be a chance but Carter

was there. Just enough to slow the attack down.

With a shot from a tight angle as the power play comes to a close.

Alfredsson, breathing deeply. Kunitz, his heart have missed a beat

-- must have missed a beat. Nash got a stick in, in time come and threw

it across like a sword across that Steen stick.

So, Canada dodge a bullet here. Now, they have a chance to be creative. I

am wondering whether they as a problem with Bergeron -- there is a

problem. St-Louis on the outside. Kronwall

dealt with Crosby by chipping him onto the ice but Crosby is back in

possession. He welcomes the contact. And still controls. He did

well. He is the superstar in the sport of ice hockey, Sidney Crosby.

He hasn't scored in this tournament yet, but he has more points than

anyone else in the NHL. He is an outstanding two-way hockey player.

Arguably the best player in the world, not just for his friends but

what he does at both ends of the rink. He can still lead this team

even if he is putting points up. Sweden are trying to find a way

through. And Canada make it so tough once they have believed. It is the

equivalent of Sweden skating through maple syrup every time they have

possession, it is so hard to get momentum.

The Canadians are very rugged defensively. Something they have

developed in this tournament and which has been just a mental. --

instrumental. Not necessarily an attribute the Canadian defence is

known for. Their scoring has already -- always been able to carry the day

for them. Perry has done a great job. What Mike Babcock has done is

got his team of superstars playing together as a team. That one goal

could just be the difference. That was well intercepted by Louis

Eriksson. Nash tried to find St-Louis. The

referee blew his whistle. That went through the legs of Lundqvist and

was sitting on the goal line. Thick Tommaso Leoni, a perfect

opportunity. The play was made from the back -- St-Louis. He did not get

it, he ends up catching it on the toe of his blade. He had the near

side wide open. Lundqvist isn't clean and around his

gold today. Taking a big deflection. But taking

things forward for Canada. Bergeron is back on the ice, good news for

Canada. I am not sure Bergeron would have done any better in that

position. Hjalmarsson has had a solid tournament. They are missing

the legend that is Livstrom. He has been an institution. One of the

greats of the game. Sweden are trying to break away.

Jimmie Ericsson on the right-hand side, sending it all the way around.

Jonathan Ericsson stopping it. Canada have been so good at little

interceptions. Carter, but a good save on a tight angle from

Lundqvist. Penalty. That has flipped over the boards, that will be a

penalty. The Canadians call for it and they will get it. It was

directly played out of the ice by Silfverberg.

Desperate defence. That was a Jonathan Ericsson who got himself

out opposition. 2006, Sweden beating Finland 3-2,

goals coming from Zetterberg, Kronwall and Livstrom.

Interestingly, they were 1-0 down. Sweden broke Finland's heart in that

tournament because Finland by the better team in that tournament.

Here we go, a power play for Canada. 2-0 would seem a very long way down

in this game for Sweden. Canada, with the man advantage.

A lovely pass. That's almost surprised him. I think it did. Well

blocked. Getting it back! But it was fired over the top. We will get a

whistle as it left the net, shaking. Perry, in point-blank range. You can

see him cover his mouth as he exclaims his frustration.

I don't know if it was touched that Perry had a chance to put Canada

into a 2-goal lead. 55 seconds to go, with a one-man

advantage. Can they make it count? The Swedes are comfortable in this

position, being one goal out, they can hold defensively. They need to

get through this. Ten more seconds. Now, Sweden breaking away at the

other end. Sedin, nearly tipped home, so close to equalising.

Canada cannot clear. Tipped just over the top.

Perry bringing it forward. With Doughty behind him. He drives on the

outside. Cycling around that zone on his own!

St-Louis, from Tampa Bay where he plays his hockey. He didn't think he

would be on this trip. He was called up right at the last second. Maybe

he will have an influence in this final. He had a ski trip booked to

Vermont, he and his wife. Then they had to call it off. St-Louis has

been in and out of the Canadian line-up. He would have loved to have

that shot he had missed if you minutes ago. This lead for Canada is

very precarious. As you watch the Swedes coming forward. That could

have levelled it. Coming right past the goal. Daddy just prevented him

from seeing the puck. It is just one mistake away, this

game. Only two shots on goal from the

Canadians in this period. Carey Price, a little busier. He has

had to save all 16 he has faced. He has had a really good tournament.

The best overall goal-tender of the tournament as far as his numbers go.

To beat the Americans 1-0 in the semifinal, that is a very impressive

scoreline. You saw the Americans fall apart, unfortunately for them,

in the bronze medal match. For there to last Games, they had been shut

out. It is a difficult end to the tournament for the Americans. Carey

Price, when you are 1-0 up, and you can hold your nerve, and you have to

be perfect, it takes a special breed to perform under that pressure.

Weber, their best player in the NHL. As the whistle goes.

We get another break. Almost nine minutes gone in the second period

and Canada are still hanging onto that lead. Carter creating it for

Toews. He scored a hat-trick earlier in this competition. He got it off

the post. You were saying, he was the best from six inches out. He

didn't have to shoot it more than two and a half feet total. He was

devastating that day. It is all about being in position.

That guy, he has been on top of his game the entire tournament. The shot

came in. Looking to open up and get a second crack at

the last team to retain the Olympic ice hockey title was the soviet

union, back in Calgary, in 1988. That gives you an idea of how hard

it is to come back. And to win it again. Since the NHL players have

been evolved since 1988 in Nagano... Crosby, right down the

middle but stolen from him. The danger still remains for Sweden.

A chance for Patrice Bergeron and away it goes.

The Canadians did well there. Sidney Crosby had to come off the ice in

the offensive cycle because he had lost his helmet. Here is the play

where he cuts through the Swedish defenceman and they cut him down

like a maple tree. Just the two assists but he had to get off the

ice in that play. That is the rule, if you lose your helmet during play

you have two either put it straight on if you can or you have to go off

and sit on the bench and let someone else on. It is all about safety.

Canada have got a two on one breaking. A good save from

Lundqvist. He reacts well. Sweden were stretched almost to breaking

point. Corey Perry is having his best game of the tournament so far.

That went to Nash on his backhand side and he nearly beat his

team-mate with that. It was a chance from nothing won a bouncing puck. It

was a devastating play from Rick Nash and he almost did score. That

took everyone by surprise and it comes in again. Jay Bouwmeester

nearly scored there. Sweden are in trouble right now. Canada are

cranking up the pressure here. Each line is making something happen.

They are so close to the net. It goes back to the blue line.

Henrik Lundqvist was down and the Canadians almost bumped his crown as

he was down and out and they were unlucky not to score.

Carter tips that one well but it was a good save from Lundqvist.

A big scramble with a lot of pushing and shoving but what happened there?

Lundqvist felt he was slashed in there. It is really a no-go area. It

is and when you get players coming in waves like that, I am surprised

the Swedish players did not end up taking a penalty because that was

relentless. Lundqvist is chatting to the referee, it must be as though he

is under siege as once again Perry comes in with to amend this save.

You will see him scrambling in front and this play by Rick Nash to turn

around on the backhand and just half whippet with the backhand slap shot

almost hear that you will see in a second. That is unbelievable. It is

a half volley on the warbling puck which is so difficult to do.

In eight goes and it is held on here. The Swedes need to keep the

energy to get the goal they need. Carl Hagelin could help them get

that because he is the guy in and around the net that you have

difficulty controlling. He is quick and alert and he is also aggressive

and not afraid to go into those areas. Here is Erik Karlsson, can he

create? He has not really made anything happen yet. He gives

possession away and this could be real danger. Canada try and break.

Shot came in high with Shea Weber leaping into play. I half expected

to see Sidney Crosby being that player.

Canada come again with Jamie Benn shooting on the angle. It is just

about cleared away for the second of asking.

Loui Eriksson has looked the most likely to create something here.

The question is how long can Sweden play this way? They are bending but

they are not breaking but sooner or later it is going to happen, the

Canadians will score a second one. Jimmie Ericsson eases forward now.

Over the blue line on his backhand side. He gets across for his

trouble. He will stand his ground back there. Marc-Edouard Vlasic has

been outstanding. He has had an option to step forward and it is the

kind of play we are talking about, Sidney Crosby Bob. People talk about

him arguably as the best player in the world.

Jeff Carter has had a good tournament. A few raised eyebrows as

it is turned over. It is Jeff Carter again. He and Jonathan Toews

continue to bang bodies down there. I think they demanded more intensity

from Jeff Carter after the Game one and he has started to show it.

Sweden are battling hard but unable to put any pressure on, even on the

power play, their powerplay has been lethal. The cut off opportunities

were really limited and that is credit to the way that Canada have

played defensively. British fans may recognise the name

of Alex Pietrangelo because his uncle backstop at a British team to

a super league title. That was so good. That puck the --

took a completely different direction that somehow Carey Price

managed to keep it out. He has to play like a cat. It was an awkward

looking save, very unorthodox but he just had to attract the puck and

stay with it and he has done his job. He is watching this puck and it

just changes direction at the last second and he almost fights it like

a cat twine to -- trying to swap out a moth and he ends up getting it

under control and he does enough and he is lucky that he did not take

that into his body and through his legs and in. It is so hard because

you always expect a hard shot and when you get one that is rolling and

slow and all over the place netminders can be made to look very

silly indeed. The incredible part about Lundqvist and how he manages

his shots, the shots are not that much different. Canada have 20 but

Sweden have 19 but it just seems as though Lundqvist has had more

activity in his goal. We just saw Carey Price talking to the man who

came in for Canada in Vancouver and steadied the ship. Yes, in his home

NHL town of Vancouver really rose to the occasion and did the job

necessary for Canada to win that gold-medal.

Shea Weber has been so strong for the Canadians along with Duncan

Keith. Also a similar partnership on the

Swedish side of Loui Eriksson. Sidney Crosby scores! Canada lead by

2-0. He scores again in a gold-medal match. Sidney Crosby!

A fine finish and Canada seize control. Sidney Crosby reaps the

return of his own hard work. Any goes and he is a man who is leading

his team to a gold-medal once again. A golden moment from a golden

child. He has been known as Sid the kid since he was a teenager but he

is very much a man these days but once again in a Olympic final he

turns up and he scores a goal for the Canadians. He knows the

occasion, he has been doing it at all levels. He was the youngest ever

captain to do it. Even though he has not been scoring he has been doing

little things and doing the fundamentals right and you get

rewarded if you play the game properly and you do not cheat and he

has not cheated. Jonathan Toews is behind the net.

Lundqvist has been beaten twice. You see his body language there. He is

shaking his head to sell. Jonathan Ericsson tries to make one move to

many and that will burn you. Sidney Crosby is off to the races and you

will not catch and he has gone and he has buried it. The damage is

done. Sidney Crosby shows you how ruthless he can be. The way in which

he made the move there, so patient. He is a superstar.

Under the bright lights and in the big aims is when the superstars

really come to town and Sidney Crosby has done that, without doubt.

Canada have a 2-0 lead, will it be unassailable?

It is approaching three minutes to go in the end of this second period.

There are 320 minute stop clock periods in an ice hockey game. We

get another icing call. There are still 23 minutes for Sweden to come

back in this game. Every player on that ice right now understands how

important that goal was. They know that that may have just locked the

door and that Sweden may not have enough to blow that door down and

blow it open. The medals will be presented here on the ice at the

completion of this game as the shot goes wide of the target. Canada can

almost feel it. They know they have still got so

much hard work to do between now and then.

The whistle blows because the referees want to take a check here.

Kunitz looks as though he was caught by a puck but Canada had possession.

It looks as though a penalty is being assessed. I am surprised they

called it when Canada had the advantage in possession. He was hit

from behind there. We have seen a similar hit that a number of years

ago, maybe not as bad as this one when it happened in the National

Hockey League and it paid the price for years. That was not quite as bad

from Patrik Berglund but it will not help Sweden to get back in this

hockey game. A bloody nose and possibly a broken nose as well

because he hit it pretty hard. It will not be an entirely new

experience for Chris Kunitz. He has been a great marker on this line. He

has not scored by he has been holding it together and the goal

that Sidney Crosby gets, part of it has all come from Chris Kunitz work

ethic that has made Sidney Crosby work. They take the pressure off

offensively and work at both ends of the break.

We will get another whistle here. This represents an opportunity for

the Canadians to kill this game off. Jonathan Toews has a good chance

here. He expected more of himself. A little bit of room they're just

above the blockers side of Lundqvist. He needed to be perfect

but Lundqvist is not going to give him that one. Trying to find the

postage stamp. It did not quite work for him on this occasion. 3-0 and

you have got to think that Canada will take this game. Canada have

managed the puck extremely well in this hockey game. In the powerplay

we expect them to do it and they have not given it up cheaply so that

the Swedes can get momentum themselves. Sidney Crosby, the goal

will have given him a boost. It does not matter how good a player you are

but when you have not scored in five games you start to get itchy.

Yesterday we saw someone fall apart. When he went his team went as

well and they all fell apart at the seams.

Sweden are playing with one skater less. They have another 40 seconds

on this powerplay. The scoreline is 2-0. That was nearly given away by

Jonathan Toews. Corey Perry slows the game down. It

was nearly given away by Shea Weber and nowhere has been given away by

Shea Weber. Now the break, it is Jonathan Ericsson, one on three and

he misses the net by some distance. Canada comeback with Jonathan Toews.

Into the final few seconds and a shot from Drew Doughty. Canada

maintained possession. They are digging hard and the

referee will allow them to keep playing here. It has been building

at the feet. It is smart by Canada. Play defence in the offensive zone

and let this period play out. Those battles are punishing on the body.

Jay Bouwmeester hurried his shot a bit as the period came to a close

and Canada eye on pole position and they lead Sweden by 2-0 here and

Sidney Crosby beat Henrik Lundqvist for that all-important second goal

and this is why it is so important. Canada have conceded three goals in

the 2014 and. Right now Sweden need three goals if they are going to win

the gold medal. I do not think they have it in the locker. That second

goal by Canada was unbelievable. It was a single player made by the star

of the show who has not shown so far by he has done it in other ways and

his moment came and he took it with both hands.

Canada, in control, 20 minutes away from retaining their gold medal.

We'll bring you the whole of the third period.

It is worth pointing out that the US were 2-0 up in the women's final and

came back to win. It doesn't look likely here. After this final

period, we will be going into highlights road, for all the best

moments. This is snowboard cross, a six way

battle for gold. A stellar line-up going for gold, including Dominique

Maltais. Lindsey Jacobellis is back from serious injury and looking to

set the record straight. Anything can happen in boarder cross. That is

why it is so much fun to watch as a spectator. You can only do what you

control. Even before the racing, there were several fig crashes,

including this young Norwegian who blew her knee on these rollers. The

quarterfinals continued to prove that only the strong survive. The

reigning Olympic champion nursing a broken hand was unceremoniously

dumped as was Torah Bright. This was the standout. Although she was a

second and a half behind in seeding, Lindsey Jacobellis made short work

of her quarterfinal with a masterclass in snowboard cross

racing. The most important thing to remember is anything can and

probably will happen. Even to the big names. Enough of my chat, time

for some proper commentary and some action. I promise we won't get too

emotional. Timothy, shall we? Semifinal number one. Eva Samkova

with the slower start. That goes to show how big a gap can be at the

first actual drop, we have lost a rider already. They are all chasing

Eva Samkova, no surprises there. It was the Austrian who went down. Eva

Samkova stretching the lead. It isn't over yet. She is coming

through the side of the course. Ryoichi Maeda, losing control and

she is out of there. -- Simone Meyler. Eva Samkova, once again, a

masterclass. She overshot that jump by miles and still soaked it up. I

think something has gone on back there. They looked very close. They

are all right. It is... Something went on that of Camara. She overshot

that, the French girl... Nelly Loccoz Moenne has gone down. Chloe

Trespeuch is in second place. Look... Gifted third place. I am not

sure what the camera director was doing, we are not in control. It

looked to me like the two French riders had set of director --

directly. Then we lost sight of them. Faye Gulini, in third place.

Semifinal number two. A good start by Zoe. It is the blue bit, the

Australian. And in the yellow bib, Jack Sandile Ngcobo. -- Jakova.

Looking Zoe Gillings is back in fifth, making sure she isn't out of

this race before it begins. She has to let everyone do their job and you

have to do yours. Lindsey Jacobellis is in front, chased by Jakova. This

is going to get hairy. Oh! There she goes, onto the crash mat. Battling

it out now in second and third, desperate to put a bit of distance

between each other. Zoe Gillings is at the back. They will be biding

their time, hoping this long stretch where it speeds up doesn't stretch

the pack out too much. They are battling for second and third. And

she is down! Round the outside... They come over the last jump, they

are so close! They both fell on the finish line, what on earth was that

about? A photo finish. What was Lindsey Jacobellis thinking? She

just overshot it. Olympic heartbreak again for the American. And the

Italian from nowhere, she thinks, I am getting over this. Why did she

fall? Oh, nope. She has lost it on the line. It is like being shot out

of a cannon. Now, it is back up to the top for

the small final to decide positions seven to 12.

Closest to us, Moll. As it she might be injured. She waved. The Swiss,

flying out of the gate. Lindsey Jacobellis in the red further back.

Lindsey Jacobellis, all over the place, flailing over that second

kicker. Zoe Gillings in the yellow in fourth place.

Around the outside. Nelly Loccoz Moenne on the outside. Here it

comes. Beautiful work from Lindsey Jacobellis. Belle Brockhoff managed

to sweep behind her. Lindsey Jacobellis is leading in the blue.

Belle Brockhoff is closing the door on Nelly Loccoz Moenne. Zoe Gillings

is in yellow in fourth. So, Lindsey Jacobellis, Barkov. Zoe

Gillings will take ninth place. -- Brockhoff.

The final of the women's Olympic snowboarder cross.

It is down, and a really good start. Look in the yellow on the

right-hand side. Eva Samkova, absorbing all of these obstacles.

The stiffest condition has faced. They are crossing over! There was

some contact there. Dominique Maltais, desperately trying to chase

down Eva Samkova. But, convincingly, against these riders

who are so, so quick, even in such esteemed company. Aspas macro in the

red trousers. Contact. Jess Christopher Bartsch hits the

knuckle. Dominique Maltais is reading this in. Reaching out for

Eva Samkova. A bit too big on that jump, she wants to keep as close to

the snow as she can. A tiny wobble by Eva Samkova.

Dominique Maltais is looking very smooth, tracking into the jump. It

is going to be Eva Samkova over the last jump into the finish line for

the gold medal. Dominique Maltais takes silver. And in the White

Paper, Chloe Trespeuch. How did she hold onto that? -- in the white bib.

Eva Samkova, an absolute masterclass from start to finish, seeding until

final, she has dominated the 2014 Olympic boarder cross race.

Dominique Maltais, giving it everything she had. She has improved

on her bronze medal. Look at what it means for Eva Samkova.

We have seen some incredible action. It wouldn't be right to leave today

without speaking to Zoe. How do you feel? Are you heartbroken or do you

take it in your stride? You are used to this kind of racing? That is what

boarder cross is about, you're never sure. I am happy with the way I

wrote, that I stayed on my feet with a of crashes. I was stable enough to

get down in one piece. Obviously, very disappointed not getting into

the final and missing out by inches. Incredibly frustrating. I rode as

good as I could and as fast as I could. One woman who was looking

very nervous at the bottom, Jill, did you manage to watch? I did. For

the first time... I did manage this time. How incredibly close she got.

It is so nerve wracking, when you see people falling that way. People

going down quite hard. Yes, when the screen goes blank. Yes, it makes you

think, my daughter is about to come down here, it does get you. But she

is safe and she is wonderful! You trust her. Absolutely. It is just

another normal day in the life of Olympic boarder cross, I hope you

have enjoyed it. I love the start of that feature, Ed

saying I had to commentate with Tim, and not be emotional. After one

line, the guys were off the scale. They captured the essence of those

freestyle events. I am sure you found it inspirational, please go to

our website to find out lots more about snowboarding, freestyle skiing

and a range of Olympic Winter and summer sports. We head back to the

ice hockey by way of the highlights of the second period.

What can Sweden do to change things? St-Louis. The referee has blown his

whistle. Here we go. A power play for Canada. Fired over the top.

Cranking up the pressure. Coming in again. Sweden are in trouble right

now. Danger. Crosby. He scores. Canada lead by 2-0.

There is Sidney Crosby, the man whose gold -- goal made it two. That

gives the Canadians and I discussion with 20 minutes to play. Sweden have

had injuries but will they be able to find the offence required to

break the Canadian hearts and come back into this game? We saw it with

the Swiss in the women's bronze medal game and we saw it with the

Canadians in the women's final. When these two played in 1994 it was

Sweden who forced overtime and penalty shots when they went on to

take gold but this Canadian team is of a different breed. They are

very, very good defensively. They are miserly and mean. What can the

Swedish players do? They have to work harder and get in that

powerplay. If they can get a goal through pressure in front of Carey

Price then it will change the game dramatically. Canada are 20 minutes

away from glory in Sochi. We will get an early faceoff, just

12 seconds into this one. Who will be key for Sweden if they are to

come back in? They have to have energy. This line here will be

counted on but they need Erik Karlsson to step forward here. This

line, I would really like to see just every one of the lines for

Sweden really pushing the pace. The faceoff was won by Sweden, Erik

Karlsson loops around. An early goal from Sweden would make things quite

interesting here. They are going to have to gamble in this game. They

have gambled too hard and Jonathan Toews is coming in but Lundqvist is

there and he hangs on under pressure. These breaks are happening

more often for Canada. Out of the defensive battle they can create

offence. Lundqvist makes a good save but Carter is in looking for the

rebound. It is smart play by Jonathan Toews, he got the first

goal today and there is no reason not to shoot and get an opportunity

at least for the rebound. A clean win in the faceoff circle for Sidney

Crosby. Carl Hagelin shot that one in a

Carey Price had to grab it at the second attempt. A lot of whistles

like this. It hurts Sweden more than Canada. We have had three whistles

in the first minute and we are just 50 seconds in but that was good play

by Carl Hagelin. He got the shot in from an angle and forces Carey Price

to make a spec and effort to get the puck in his profession --

possession. I wonder what the thought process

here from the Swedish coats -- coaches because Oliver Ekman-Larsson

is on the ice and he did not get assertion in earlier games.

Sweden are forced back again. Jonathan Ericsson is the odd man out

now. He is the one who turned it out to Sidney Crosby for that goal.

Sweden will come away. They have got some space to work in. Erik Karlsson

leaps into the play and it is the first time we have really seen him

skating. This is perfidy waited by Jonathan

Toews. -- perfectly weighted. Drew Doughty there, off the post.

Sweden are sloppy in their own end. Haggling on the left wing corner for

Sweden. He does well but he cannot find a shot. -- Carl Hagelin.

That was not handled well by Marcus Kruger and now the zone is clear.

Can get can get a change but Carl Hagelin tries to weave his way

through. The Canadian defence is layered up so if you beat one there

is another player who gets in front of you. Each time it has made its

that bit more difficult. It is quite ominous to take on a team where if

you get by a first guy, as you watch the shot by Drew Doughty, this is a

great screen in front. That was Matt Duchene. Lundqvist did not know

about that until it hit the post. You have to beat the best in the

tournament in three different ways and that level of success is very

challenging for any player. Jamie Benn with a tip into the zone. He is

on it. Corey Perry is another player in

this trio. Oliver Ekman Larsson cannot find a

team-mate so this will be another icing call. We have had four minutes

of this period. It is shaping out like a semifinal for Canada. If you

look at Oliver Ekman-Larsson, he is now getting the nod instead of

Jonathan Ericsson on the ice. In the semifinals Canada got the one goal

for Jamie Benn and that they had to shut up shot. They are doing the

same thing here although they are looking for more.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson is all on his own for Sweden. He is looking for

help but there is nothing coming. It has arrived. This is where players

like Patrice Bergeron really coming into their own. Players sometimes

try to get their way past and turn the buck over but he just turned it

out safely into an area. That goes into the stands of the deflection.

This suggests that Patrice Bergeron knows that the Swedish players will

not be able to skate through the Canadians. If they can put the part

in a good area becomes a territory game more than a possession game for

Canada. Put the puck into areas where they will be successful but do

not try to do anything by yourself that will lead to opening up the

door for the Swedish team to get back in.

Patrick Marleau did not finish that. Drew Doughty. It deflects oddly out

in front. Jonathan Toews leads the man in his

wake. Drew Doughty is that this one with a good slave and a rebound.

Another chance for Canada on the wraparound. Somehow Sweden survive

the depth and quality here from Canada is starting to show. They are

in their sixth game, both of these deans, in a shortened tournament and

camera have more weapons. -- Canada have more weapons.

Jamie Benn sends this one all around. It goes into Corey Perry and

they are grinding Sweden right now. Jonathan Ericsson couldn't handle so

he gives a crosscheck. They just want to keep it below the

goal-line but now they will swing up high. Perry with a chance. It is

held onto. Jonathan Ericsson is trying to

negotiate his way through that little discussion. Even has it came

out his feats of still. He is standing there as the Canadians are

getting to the puck first which is why he misses the ship. Carter is

now off to the races and he can hold with three defenders on him but he

gets the puck below the goal-line and Canada retain possession. Rather

than trying to force something that are not aware Canada allow

themselves to play the percentages. Do not try and shoot it wide and

allow a Swedish break-out just, just hold onto it and maybe make the

Swedes take a penalty and maybe they will make a mistake and there will

be an opportunity to Canada who has gone and made an extra bit of effort

in the singular play and they will get reward for it. This is them just

download. This is Perry turning around with a shot and controlling

the puck. How impressive has it been from Mike Babcock to get this number

of players buying into exactly what he is asking them to do? It is

incredible. Every single one of these players is a superstar in

their own right and they play top and first line in their teams but

here they are asked to play other places but that is about the pride

in Canadian hockey. It is all about the pride of playing hockey at the

highest level. Back it goes and Sidney Crosby tries

to release it. It is sent into goal but it does not go through.

The Swedish passing needs to improve. There is a line change by

Canada and that is perfect. They are getting new troops.

The whistle goes for another offside here. That is one of the things that

people may not understand. The management of ice time, as far as

energy expended, and you look at three goals and three assists for

Shea Weber which is outstanding for a defenceman at a world-class

tournament like this and he has been able to provide offence but he plays

physical and he logs big minutes but Canada are managing everybody's ice

time better than the Swedish team. It is in the zone.

That was well held by Jonathan Toews and it just slowed it down and

allows Canada the chance to clear it.

They are so strong defensively. The Canadians continued to strangle

Sweden. That is the closest we have been to a puck or tournament.

Special parks for the gold-medal game, they are golden pucks for the

gold-medal game. This is a good game. He is a gold-medal winner from

Vancouver. Rick Nash. 11 of the players in Canada have won gold.

Just four of the Swedish players. Rick Nash comes in to try and make

things happen. Rick Nash can be from anywhere, that

was long range and juggled hard. Lundqvist is fighting the puck right

now. I think everybody knew that Rick Nash was going to shoot the

puck but it exploded off his stick, did you see the whip there?

Lundqvist knew it was coming but it had extra pepper on it and it

catches him and he cannot control it on the first touch and then you see

him leaping at control the rebound. If anybody knows how hard Rick Nash

shoots a puck it will be Rick Nash -- it will be Lundqvist, he must

have taken a few of those in New York. You know right now that

Lundqvist recognises that the game could have got away from him.

He had to be the best player on the ice for Sweden today for them to

content for a gold medal. He has been good but to say he was the best

player on the ice, I don't thing you can say that.

Canada have been disciplined. They have not taken too many penalties

well in this game. That is a way that Sweden could come back into it.

Canada are 11 minutes away from a gold medal.

Sweden need to find another dear. Kunitz, he scores! -- need to find

another gear. Surely that is a gold medal for Canada. His first of the

Olympic Games, and he snapped it high. Canada are coasting to glory

here, as they retain the gold medal at this Olympic Games. They will

shortly be the Sochi 2014 champions. Kunitz, he rips one of the bar and

down. Lundqvist is beaten again. Another unassisted goal for the

Canadians where they have created their own fans from a broken play,

taking the puck away and seizing it quickly. The Swedes have called a

time out. There is not much you can do to defend that one. That is an

absolute ripped shot. Just him and three defenders. He still found the

net, a great finish. That is what it means to him.

First goal. Timely goal scoring for the Canadian fence. -- offence.

Back to the blue line, they couldn't finish that one off. Weber again. I

will remind you, Canada have only conceded three goals in the whole

tournament. They could score more here. Getting that feeling inside

the Bolshoy Ice Dome where Canada can put on a performance now.

Sweden had ten minutes to try and create three great opportunities. It

seems so unlikely. We just need to enjoy this Canadian

team. Because they are that good. Those in Canada and America reckon

this is the best team that has ever been put together anywhere at any

point in history. The scoreline would suggest it. You know, you

can't really blow teams out at this level. We have seen some lopsided

scorelines, but to shut teams down so they can't get a goal against

you. The way they are going at the moment, it is so impressive. The

opposition cannot open the door on them.

That is if they don't concede here. But they have conceded a penalty.

That may be a way for Sweden to come back in. A tripping call. All the

Canadian players seem to be reluctant to skate over to that

penalty box. Perry will make his way. We have another TV time out as

the ice Angels head out to clear the snow. How important it is the Canada

to have all of their players playing well in this big game. This has been

his best hockey game, Perry. We have had three scorers today for Canada,

the first of the tournament. But there have been good performances

across the board. Sharp. St-Louis. It's not just about the Starts, but

their depth of quality. Every single player has been accountable and

performed well. There hasn't been any single one that hasn't looked

outstanding today. The last time Sweden won silver was

in Innsbruck in 1964. They lost to the Soviets in the final, who were

strong for such a long period. That is when they changed the ruling.

This is still being appealed to this day because Canada missed out on a

medal on how they pick two separate teams. The goal difference was the

question. They still maintain to this day that Canada should have got

the bronze medal that year. The appeals continue to be heard well

into the 21st-century. It is Olympic history. It is. It is officiated to

the highest level. There is no disputing this now, the bronze medal

game yesterday, Finland and the USA was very decisive. For the fence,

they got to walk away yesterday feeling really good about being in

third place -- for the Finns. For Sweden, it will be difficult to

collect the silver medal. The golden puck. Three times it has

found the net. Sweden have a power play, they need a goal and to find

some belief. They have made the defence work too

hard, the Canadians. They have spent 30 seconds in their own zone trying

to get it back. A poor outlet pass. What would Sweden give for another

goal from Karlsson. He rips around the boards.

Four Canadians are holding that blue line, standing strong.

Canada will hold here. Given away, though.

Almost 30 seconds remain on the Perry penalty.

Benn has already scored twice in this tournament, he wanted another.

Every shift Benn plays puts more value on his NHL contract. He has

impressed me so much in this tournament. He is impressing

Babcock, his eyes time has increased. Nash, with a chance!

Lundqvist, angry with his defence. Sweden are not too far away from

packing up the tent. Seven and a half to go. The Canadian fans are

cheering. The penalty is over. Sweden, they don't seem to have been

able to up their game when it has been needed. You have to credit

Canada so that -- for that. This is a good Swedish side. They have been

hit by injuries, but they are a good outfit.

Sent away by Perry who is then hit off the play. No penalty on that, it

could have been given for the challenge on Jimmie Ericsson. That

entire sequence of how the Canadians worked their way out of the

defensive zone is why they are in this position. They are running

together to get the puck cleared out of their lines and relieve

pressure. Out of the zone. Sweden are forced

to reset. Backhand shot claimed. Price will

hang on. Under six minutes to go. Canada are six minutes away. 22

shots the Sweden, and I can count on one hand how many scoring chances

they have had. If you skirmishes around Carey Price but, for the most

part, it has been nonthreatening. There have been second-grade

opportunities. This one from Benn, he forced a great save. That kicked

out and into the corner. Benn is really emerging. Nash has had an

outstanding tournament. That was the turnover. Lucky to get a stick

played on it. That is Perry receiving the Sarge on his neck. He

was hit here by this awkward play in the second. Right there. Jimmie

Ericsson was going by. Driving right through him. That will give him a

bit of whiplash. Perry will play on.

The Bolshoy, a brilliant arena, it has done very well for this hockey

tournament. Beautiful on the outside as well. In the not too distant

future, it will be the flag of Canada very much centred on the

roof. Price folding on that. He hangs on

nicely. The interesting part about Canada is that there have been sick

stages in this tournament for them. This is their sixth hockey game.

They have played the best in this one. The Swedes, if we look back,

they have been consistent and good from the start but they haven't been

able to peak at that final position. You only have to be in the lead once

and Canada have got their nose across the line in this one little

bit quicker. The way they have improved is testament once again to

the coach. And the coaches. It is a tremendous

brains trust down there, full of experiences.

Carter has done a great job of just getting in the way. He really has,

he has got better as the tournament has gone on. Canada had put on a

defensive clinic here. -- have put on.

You talk about that attitude of the Canadians and their coaching staff.

But it really must give credit to the players. They come with an open

mind they must improve, and they realised that with each performance.

They have looked at themselves and said, we must be better. They commit

to what the team needs from them. Not everybody does that. From the

blue line, with a shot but it goes high again. A staccato and to this

game, sitting Canada down to the ground. Only four minutes to go.

They don't mind if there is a bristle every 15 seconds because it

means they are doing their job. -- is a whistle.

Spinning away... Slipped really high. Edler nearly

tripped over. Benn used his body strength really

well. The Canadians protect the puck cell block on the boards. Sweden

have a chance to come back the other way about offside on Hagelin. Those

battle on the boards is where Canada has won today. They have been

smarter, they have not given the opportunity for the Swedes to pick

it up quickly. That looks like it is going to be his third shutout of the

tournament, Carey Price, the way he is playing.

It is tipped away by two Canadian sticks. Raised out of the zone

eventually. We are approaching 2.5 to go and the

Canadian fans are starting to sing here. They have enjoyed this

performance. They are going to do the double, it seems, having taken

the women's gold in dramatic fashion on Thursday night in overtime.

Poulin Scored the two important goals. She has not had a great

tournament, she had not had a bad tournament but it is the same for

Sidney Crosby and the two players have been compared. With two minutes

to go, Sidney Crosby in his own zone.

Erik Karlsson will be remembered for his performance in this tournament

for quite some time. Intercepted by Rick Nash who brings it the other

way. A rebound comes out. He was denied.

Ryan Getzlaf will go on his own and protect that puck on the boards.

There are 70 seconds still to go. The famous chance that was initially

developed in Montreal is the goodbye chance, just a little bit is

whimpering in amongst this ice dome. Canada have been dominant in

this game. It is incredible what they have done. Sweden, in my mind,

were the best overall team coming into the semifinals but these last

two games for Canada have been top drawer. They have been exceptional.

Sweden will bring it away. Canada are keeping on working hard.

That is clear away by the Canadians at the goes all the way down the

ice. It will be an icing call with 23.1 seconds to go. The Canadian

women's team on their feet. There is Daniel Alfredsson and it is likely

to be his final Olympics. He is now 41. There could be a few more from

Sidney Crosby. He already has two gold medals, well, one gold medal

but surely this one will be a second. It will be confirmed in 23

seconds time. Canada will just continue to do

their thing. The arena rises here. Carl Hagelin comes out in front.

Carter will slowly send this one down the ice. Canada are the Olympic

champions! Back-to-back for the Canadians. Gold in Vancouver and

gold now in Sochi! Defensively brilliant. Goals from Sidney Crosby,

Jonathan Toews and Chris Kunitz and it leaves them top of the pile,

unbeaten, a perfect six on their record and they compete their third

shutout of the tournament as well. They have been simply outstanding.

Very interesting to watch John Tavares who suffered and it -- a

knee injury. He is fully dressed even though he was not part of the

hockey game. They are all out to celebrate this. For some of these

players it is twice in a lifetime after gold in Vancouver. A fine --

Canada are the champions but disappointment for Sweden who could

not find a way through and have been beaten by 3-0.

The crowd behind me are filing into the stadium for the final act of

these Olympic Games, the closing ceremony. The final gold medal went

to Canada which means we can take a look at the medal table now. Russia

are at the top with a brilliant performance from the host nation.

Norway second and Canada moving up to third with that gold medal for

the men. Down in 19th place, our best ever performance at a Winter

Olympics game for Team GB. One gold, one silver and two bronzes. I caught

up with our latest Olympic champion. Elizabeth yarn old! -- Elizabeth

Yarnold! This is amazing! This is incredible. This will help. She is!

This is amazing. Had it been strange since winning? Has it been a strange

sensation? Yes, it has been totally abnormal and unnatural and I am an

athlete and I am comfortable in my competitive zone but this has been

my goal for not -- five years in skeleton and at least ten years,

since I was a kid, and I wish I could remember every second.

The first run was most nerve wracking. I stepped out to the start

line and I took all of my clothes off in the same order as I always do

and I remember thinking it was exactly like training. I built it up

a lot in my mind but at that moment all the processes were the same and

I was bending down to the sled am pushing off as normal and I was in

that routine and that moment. She has done it by one quarter of the

second. Another track record. The second run I was giving it

everything. She is half a second up and coming to the line. As soon as I

went home after the first day of competition it was like, chill out

and have a stretcher and go to bed and I slept unbelievably well that

night. Did you? Yes. You woke up a new sliding in the evening so you

were getting out of bed at eight or nine? I went up to the top of the

amount it and it was almost a moment where you see everything magnificent

and you are so small by comparison. I went up with my physio and we have

become such good friends in the last five years, these are people I love

and they are all a part of it. I think we all just reminded each

other of all of the hard work and we took breakfast up their related

altogether and had a nice look around. I came into the third run

and I had really focused on keeping totally chilled in my mind and

keeping relaxed on the sled and keeping the connection really good.

That is a track record and you cannot ask anything more. Back on

the track for one last trip up the hill. What is the atmosphere like in

that start installation with everyone pacing around and people

gradually going? You are last ago so it is gradually emptying out. Yes,

that is a funny thing about skeleton, the better ranked athletes

are later. The last time I was in the -- the first time I was in this

position was in 2010 in Austria and it was really petrifying that

everyone was just leaving the room. I remember walking out to the start

line and thinking that this was almost a lesson and even then I was

thinking about Sochi and I was thinking that it is a process you

have to go through to be the last one out there. A rehearsal. A

rehearsal, yes. I have a few phrases that I always tell myself, you are

in control of your own destiny, you can do this. Just really simple

things like that. Who taught you that? I think I just let myself!

Lizzie Yarnold goes for gold for Great Britain. That was a beautiful

load by Lizzie Yarnold. Had you been told The Times? You knew the outline

figures? I knew the information after the third Rann. I have never

seen the time sheet. Look at it, come on! Can I have it? I would be

honoured that you had my time sheet! I was first in all four runs! You

did not know that? I have not seen it! The fastest speed on the last

run. If I am being supercritical then it was not your best run. But

it was better than everybody else's! That is right, put me in my place.

In skeleton you never have a perfect run but the key is to be back on

track. Sometimes I chose to hit the walls and take the hit and get back

online again so that you do not oversteer. I did less steering which

is why I had a skid at the top and hit a few walls, that was all done

purposefully. Do you know what your coaches do when you disappear? I

think they very nervously watch it on the TV stream. I have not seen

that. When you disappeared on run for, this is them watching. This is

each corner by corner. The split and the intervals. They are talking the

whole time. Yes! Fracture yes! Oh, wow! Look at

what Andy Dodds. Look at him. Oh, my gosh! That is beautiful. Isn't it?

He does not about front of you, coaches never do. I cried into his

shoulder as soon as I saw him at the bottom of the track but coaches do

not normally do that. Wow! I was just desperate to get off the sled

and hard everybody and celebrate altogether. I could see my mum and

my best mates and my sisters and they were there with me the whole

four runs, it was not just me, I did it for everyone and for all of us

and we could live that together as a family for so many years to come.

You jumped over and you saw James and he was struggling. Bless him, I

gave him a big hug and he was so emotional. He has been so calm and

understanding and he knows exactly what I have been through on what I

go through a day to day. So many times in the gym I will cry through

training sessions and many other athletes will understand this, you

do not get better unless you push yourself. To get here I have to do

it then and it is the mindset, it is no compromise, just get it done.

Even if you are crying, you get in the leg press and you are training.

I never really dared to believe in a gold medal so it has been a

whirlwind but this is the dream, I am living the dream. She certainly

is living the dream and I don't think people touch the ground in the

next few weeks or even months. The sport is over and it has been 16

pulsating days of action. What a final flourish for the Russians. It

may not be what Vladimir Putin wanted because he wanted gold in the

ice hockey but that went to Canada but the men got a clean sweep in the

cross-country and also in the four-man bob which means that the

Russians topped the medal table so it is a historic gains for the host

nation and also a historic gains for Team GB. They came in with huge

expectation and they delivered, equalling the best ever medal haul

from back in 1924. The final sporting word was left to the

Canadians in the ice hockey. Thank you for your company in the last 16

days but from me it is goodbye.