Diggins led the USA to victory in the historic relay – Finland second when Pärmäkoski sprinted down Johaug – Sport – svenska.yle.fi

Everything was decided on the last stage of the mixed relay. Finland took part in the victory battle and also secured a podium place. Jessie Diggins was too tough for Krista Pämäkoski but Finland finished second.

Mixed relays are often seen in, for example, biathlon but not in cross-country skiing. During the World Cup final in Falun, they tested just such a competition where all teams consisted of two men and two women, and all went five kilometers in freestyle.

Finland’s first team with Kerttu Niskanen, Perttu Hyvärinen, Iivo Niskanen and Krista Pärmäkoski were among the favorites but the winning candidates were many.

It was also an equally even relay as expected. Everything was decided on the last stage and ten teams took part in the match, among them Finland.

Therese Johaug and Jessie Diggins took care of the speed control on the last stage and made the leading group burst. Krista Pärmäkoski hung on and had a good position when everything was to be decided.

Diggins became too difficult for Pärmäkoski

When the skiers turned towards Lugnet’s ski stadium, Diggins still showed proof of his strength and tactical mind. She got a gap to Pärmäkoski and Johaug and that decided the relay.

– This was very fun and we went together as a team. I am very proud of everyone on the team and this is very inspiring, says Diggins after the competition.

Behind the American, Pärmäkoski and Johaug went to a duel for second place on the finish line. Pärmäkoski’s sprint was better than Johaug’s and Finland took second place in history’s first mixed relay.

Finland’s second team lost close contact already in the first stage and the team eventually finished in thirteenth place. Anne Kyllönen, Markus Vuorela, Arsi Ruuskanen and Katri Lylynperä were part of the team.

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