Domracheva makes history in biathlon
Belarus' Darya Domracheva has won the ex-Soviet state's first ever women's gold at the Winter Olympics after destroying the field in the 10km biathlon pursuit.
Domracheva, 27, crossed the line in 29 minutes 30.7 seconds, 37.6 seconds ahead of her nearest rival Tora Berger of Norway, who took silver. Bronze went to Teja Gregorin of Slovenia (30:12.7).
Setting a blistering ski pace, the Belarussian missed no targets in the two prone shoots or the first standing.
She missed one of the five targets in the final standing but still had time after her penalty loop to pick up a Belarussian flag and wave it in triumph as she headed to the finish.
Hosts Russia missed out gold again, with their highest placed athlete Olga Vilukhina coming just seventh.
With no Russian in medal contention, the thousands of Russian fans in the stands at the Laura biathlon centre above Sochi gave "Dasha" Domracheva their vocal support.
"I'm so grateful for the support I got here for this high-class race," Domracheva said on Tuesday.
"The feeling was great, the support was cool, especially when I had enough time to dance with the flag at the finish."
Domracheva said she did not panic after missing her final target. "I knew I had enough time so I wasn't disappointed."
After a catalogue of falls on a high speed hairpin bend in the men's pursuit, Domracheva said she knew she needed to keep her concentration until the very end.
The warm conditions on the undulating course with slushy snow were also tough going.
"It's really warm here. The snow is soft and together with the topography and the weather, it made me work hard."
