Cross-country skier German Madrazo of Mexico finished dead last (115th) in the 15km cross-country race Friday at the Winter Games — nearly 26 minutes behind gold-medal winner Dario Cologna of Switzerland.
But Cologna was among a pack of skiers showing their Olympic spirit by giving Madrazo a hero's welcome at the end of the race.
Madrazo, a 43-year-old first-time Olympian who had never skied until last year, proudly carried a Mexican flag for the race's final stretch. Once he crossed the finish line, fellow skiers greeted Madrazo and lifted him into the air.
The made-for-TV moment featured spectators cheering wildly for the emotional Madrazo.
