By Daniel Etchells

Johan Olsson celebrates his 15km cross-country free technique success in Falun ©Getty ImagesHome favourite Johan Olsson secured his second Nordic Skiing World Championships gold medal after winning the 15 kilometres cross-country free technique event in Falun.

The 34-year-old Swede arrived at the finish line in a time of 35min 01.60sec, with France's Maurice Manificat 17.8 seconds off the pace in the runners-up spot and Norway's Anders Gloeersen 19.2 seconds behind in third 

"Unreal, it feels crazy," said Olsson, a two-time Olympic gold medallist in the 4x10km relay.

"I got into the race in a great way right from the start.

"Everything seemed to work straight away.

"I started tormenting myself direct and didn't hold anything back.

"I have had fantastic skis and the skiing was absolutely fantastic too.

"Especially up the killer hill, the crowds there almost lift you up, and you forget how hard it is."

Johan Olsson now has two Nordic Skiing World Championships gold medals to his name ©Getty ImagesJohan Olsson now has two Nordic Skiing World Championships gold medals to his name ©Getty Images



Two years ago in Val di Fiemme, Italy, Olsson triumphed in the 50km classical to add to the silver medals he won in the 15km freestyle and the 4x10km relay.

"I don't think anyone has invested so heavily in the World Championships as I have," added Olsson.

"I have left the World Cup behind me completely and had a clear plan for the World Championships.

"I have known for the last few days that my form was stable, and that I've performed well against the other guys on the team."

The action in Falun is due to continue tomorrow with the women's 4x5km relay. 

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