Russia"s Ivan Skobrev took the Olympic silver...

Sven Kramer of the Netherlands, who was the overwhelming favorite of the longest speed skating event in the Olympic program, finished with the world record of 12 minutes 54.50 seconds. He, however, was disqualified for his failure to switch lanes with his opponent.

South Korea"s Lee Seung-Hoon, who finished 4 seconds behind Kramer, was declared winner with the time of 12 minutes 58.55 seconds. He started celebrating the victory when Kramer was still on the track, apparently unaware of the mistake he had made.

The bronze went to Kramer"s compatriot, defending Olympic champion Bob de Jong.

Skobrev, who ran in pairs with Kramer, told the Rossiya 2 TV channel that he was unaware of his opponent"s mistake until the final lap.

"I did not notice [Kramer"s mistake]. I understood that something was wrong only when I saw Kramer finishing in my lane," he said.

The Russian skater, who already took bronze in men"s 5,000 meters, said he was pleased with his

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