Gold medalist waits half hour to greet last place competitor

After completing the men's 15km classic in a time of  38:29.7 - nearly 30 seconds ahead of his next closest competitor - Swiss cross-country skier Dario Cologna waited an additional 30 minutes at the finish line in order to congratulate last-place finisher Roberto Carcelen of Peru.

Carcelen, now 43 years old, became Peru's first Winter Olympian four years ago in Vancouver despite only being introduced to cross-country skiing in 2005. 

Just two weeks ago, Carcelen suffered several broken and bruised ribs during a training accident in Austria, and yet his determination brought him to Sochi to compete. With breathing made difficult by his injuries, the Peruvian finished 28 minutes after Cologna, and 11 minutes after every other skier had completed the course.

Nonetheless, spectators rose from their seats as Carcelen approached the finish line, cheering him wildly. One fan even handed him a Peruvian flag, which he proudly carried.

However, the nicest recognition came from Cologna, who extended his hand to his fellow Olympian, in an amazing display of respect for a competitor that might not have come close to winning a medal, but managed to win over an entire crowd and the very best of his peers with his gritty performance.

Ski tap to Business Insider.