Therese Johaug has successfully defended her 10km title at the 2021 Nordic Ski World championships in Oberstdorf, Germany.
The 32-year-old Norwegian kept a blistering pace despite the undulating terrain and balmy temperatures, completing the freestyle cross-country skiing race in 23:09.8, 54.2 seconds faster than silver-medallist Frida Karlsson from Sweden.
Karlsson's compatriot Ebba Andersson completed the podium 1:06.9 behind Johaug as she finished over five seconds ahead of current World Cup leader Jessie Diggins of the USA.
It was the 12th world gold medal for Johaug. Only Marit Bjoergen and Elena Vyalbe have more with 18 and 14 respectively.
The three-time Olympic medallist, who already clinched gold in the 15km, has the chance to increase her medal tally in the 4 x 5km relay on Thursday 4 February and in the 30 km mass start on Saturday 6 March.
