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The Brutality Of Cross Country Skiing In One Surreal Photo

Tony ManfredFeb 9, 2014, 01:22 IST

Here's the finish line after Saturday's women's cross-country skiing event, the skiathlon 7.5 km classic + 7.5 km free.

The three medalists, Norway's Marit Bjoergen, Sweden's Charlotte Kalla, and Norway's Heidi Weng, are all in there, as well as the athletes who finished fourth and fifth.

Cross-country is so physically grueling that athletes traditionally collapse the second they cross the finish line.

It makes for some surreal photos:

Harry How/Getty Images