TURIN, Feb. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- World sprint champion Joey Cheek of the United States clinched the gold medal of men's 500-meter speedskating in a combined two-run time of one minute 9.76 seconds on Monday.

    Russia's Dmitry Dorofeyev took the silver in a total time of 1:10.41. South Korea's Lee Kang-Seok captured the bronze medal in 1:10.43.

    Cheek's domination was unchallenged as he clocked the quickest time in each of the runs, 34.82 and 34.96 respectively, to win the gold.

    The 26-year-old American was very happy with his performance. "I think it was a great two races, probably the best two race I've ever skated. You always want to have those days at the Olympic Games, and I did," he said.

    But he thought it would take some time before he can feel the euphoria. He said: "I don't think it's sunk in yet. I don't know when it will, but it hasn't yet."

    Before the second run and with the gold in sight, Cheek tried his best to relax himself so that he could finish the final run without any accident.

    "I was trying not to freak out. I skated so well in the first race I knew all I needed was to skate Ok in the second and I would win," he said.

    "I was telling myself to relax. I knew if I was too tight there would be problems, so I had to stay relaxed," he added. Enditem