TESERO, Italy (AP) — Jessie Diggins crossed the line Sunday as she has done so often over 15 years on the world stage — with the tank entirely empty. Collapsed on the snow with her chest heaving, Diggins ended a 50-kilometer race in fifth place — just a few seconds shy of one more medal.

The degeneration of the games has reached the point where the International Olympic Committee is little more than a direct tool of imperialism.

The Cross-country skiing events at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games rate among the sporting spectacle’s most challenging tests of endurance — and some of the longest, most grueling races yet are set to unfold this weekend across NBC and Peacock.

Equipment testers will sometimes ski dozens of miles a day to dial in the right combination of ski, wax and grind work.

Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo is officially 6 for 6: He's won gold in all six of his cross-country events at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Norway's 29-year-old Olympic legend entered rare air with one more signature kick on Saturday.

A surprise participant in Wednesday’s action at the Milan Cortina Olympics had four legs and zero concern for race times.

Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo is officially 6-for-6: He's won gold in all six of his cross-country events at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Norway's 29-year-old Olympic legend entered rare air with one more signature kick on Saturday.