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Russians favored in relay
SOLDIER HOLLOW — Before Russia's Julija Tchepalova became a two-time Olympic gold medalist, she was a rebellious cross country skier with something to prove.
Tchepalova felt like the Russian coach made a mistake when he left her off the 4x5 km women's relay team at Nagano in 1998. She made her point by winning gold in the women's 30 km race, but it didn't matter — days later the Russian women won the gold in the relay without her.
With Tchepalova part of this year's team, the four-time defending Olympic champions should have no trouble winning the gold today. Team members Olga Danilova, Larissa Lazutina and Tchepalova have each medaled twice at these Games, with Danilova and Tchepalova each winning gold.
Medal contenders in the relay also include the Norwegians, the Germans and the Canadians.
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February 21, 2002
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