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SOCHI, Russia (AP) - When Alexander Legkov crossed the finish line to win the men's 50-kilometer cross-country race on Sunday, it wasn't just a victory for him. It was a victory for all of Russia.
Legkov led a sweep of the podium for Russia in the 50K, which clinched the overall medals title for the host nation at the Sochi Games. Russia started the day tied with Norway for the most gold medals with 11 and with a 29-27 lead over the United States in total medals.
With only three events on the final day of competition _ cross-country, four-man bobsled and the men's hockey gold medal game _ the Russians didn't waste any time in sealing the deal.
Norway figured to challenge the Russians in cross-country, but Martin Johnsrud Sundby finished fourth while Maxim Vylegzhanin and Ilia Chernousov took silver and bronze.
The three skiers had a wild celebration at the finish line.
Victory for them. Victory for Russia.
_ By Jon Krawczynski _ Twitter http://twitter.com/APKrawczynski
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Associated Press reporters are filing dispatches about happenings in and around Sochi during the 2014 Winter Games. Follow AP journalists covering the Olympics on Twitter: http://apne.ws/1c3WMiu
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