LIBEREC, Czech Republic — Kikkan Randall held off Finland’s Pirjo Muranen in a photo finish Tuesday to take silver in the sprint at the nordic world championships, becoming the first American woman to win a world or Olympic medal in cross country skiing.
Randall, of Anchorage, Alaska, led for most of the 1.3-kilometer final but was overtaken by Italy’s Arianna Follis in the last turn before the home straight. Follis finished in 2 minutes, 39.3 seconds, and Randall was 0.6 seconds back.
“Everything came together today,” Randall said. “It was just kind of a magical day.”
The silver was the first U.S. cross country medal since Bill Koch won bronze in the 30K at the 1982 worlds.
Ola Vigen Hattestad of Norway won the men’s cross country sprint, holding off teammate Johan Kjoelstad by 0.4 seconds.
Halfway into the championships, the Americans have won three golds, a silver and bronze — after never having won more than one medal at the same worlds. Traditional powerhouse Norway has six medals, but only two golds.
Knicks, Marbury part ways
NEW YORK — The New York Knicks waived Stephon Marbury, and the troublesome point guard is free to join a playoff contender.
Marbury, who hasn’t played a game this season, would be eligible to play in the postseason for any team that signs him because he was waived by March 1. He has been linked to the Boston Celtics, who are in need of a backup guard with Tony Allen injured.
• San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan did not play against the Dallas Mavericks because of a sore right knee.
• Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden remains sidelined indefinitely because of a bone chip in his left knee.
Phelps to return in May
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Michael Phelps will swim in the Charlotte UltraSwim on May 14-17 to end a three-month suspension for being photographed inhaling from a marijuana pipe.
The Grand Prix event will be the first major meet for which Phelps is eligible, and first tuneup before July’s world championships in Rome.
Colts release Harrison
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts released Marvin Harrison, who had the highest salary cap number of any NFL receiver at $13.4 million.
• Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb and the team have begun discussions on a contract extension, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
McNabb has two years remaining on his contract, which is worth $9.2 million next season and $10 million in 2010.
• Three oft-injured veterans who hardly played last season were cut by the Kansas City Chiefs: linebacker Donnie Edwards, quarterback Damon Huard and cornerback Patrick Surtain.
Crosby leaves Penguins practice
CANONSBURG, Pa. — Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby left practice early because of a sore groin, but is listed as probable for tonight’s game against the New York Islanders.
The Associated Press
