PYEONGCHANG, Feb. 10 -- Charlotte Kalla of Sweden claimed the first gold of 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games while Marit Bjoergen of Norway became the most decorated female Winter Olympian at the Alpensia cross-country skiing center here on Saturday.

Kalla won the women's skiathlon in a time of 40 minutes and 44.9 seconds in an event combining 7.5 km classic and 7.5 km freestyle skiing.

Kalla said: "Winning the first gold means a lot. I was quite nervous today and the Olympics is something I have focused on for a long, long time. It has felt great during the season but I know everyone wants to be in shape at the Olympics. It was really exciting and fun to compete today."

"I had a wish that if I felt strong I would try to do something on the last lap and not wait too long. It went my way and I tried to focus forward all the time," Kalla added.

Bjoergen took the 11th Olympic medal by finishing second in 40:52.7.

"I am here to take medals. It is my fifth Olympics and still to be there. I am happy with that. I am happy to be here at my age," said the 37-year-old Bjoergen, who won three gold medals at Vancouver in 2010 and three more in the 2004 Sochi Games.

One more medal will move her into a tie with Norwegian Bjoern Daehlie for the most Olympic medals by a cross-country skier of all-time.

Bjoergen added: "I am very happy to take a medal in my last Olympics and still to be there. Charlotte was stronger than me."

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