U.S. team can't catch Russia for gold in men's 5000m relay, settles for silver

Russia's remarkable string of successes on the short track continued Friday.

A Russian relay team led by Victor An, winner of two previous gold medals at these Games in individual short track events, held off a strong push by the U.S. team to win gold in the men's 5000m relay. The U.S. took silver.

The U.S. team of Eduardo Alvarez, J.R. Celski, Chris Creveling and Jordan Malone weren't considered strong contenders to win the event (the U.S. has never won gold in the 5000m relay), but it pushed hard for the top spot on the podium. In the end, it wasn't to be. 

Both the Dutch and Chinese teams fell without seconds of the starting gun, creating a very chaotic and unusual dynamic in the race. The Chinese team managed to rejoin the race and earn bronze.

The Canadian quartet of Charle Cournoyer, Michael Gilday, Charles Hamelin and Olivier Jean was expected to contend for a medal, but failed to qualify for the final. Canada won the B final, which may serve as some consolation.