Martins Dukurs speeds down the track on his skeleton sled. Dukurs' second-place result disappointed those looking for Latvia's first-ever Winter Olympic gold, but his silver medal is nonetheless impressive.

VANCOUVER, Canada — Martins Dukurs has finished second in the men’s skeleton to claim his country’s second silver medal of their campaign.

Sitting atop the leader-board after the first two runs a day previous, Canadian Jon Montgomery upped the anti in the third heat, setting a new track record on  the way to making a severe dent in Dukurs lead. The extra practice afforded to the Canadians on their home track was obviously paying off. It was not just Montgomery making in roads with five other pilots also breaking the magic 53 second mark.

One of those making big moves on day 2 was Martin’s younger brother Tomass who sent out a statement loud and clear that he wanted to join his brother on the podium, moving up to fourth position after his first run of the day.

Unfortunately for Tomass his final run, although also impressive, was not quick enough to snatch the bronze medal of Russia’s Alexander Tretyakov. Martins was also to experience some misfortune with Alexander again setting a blistering time in front of a buoyant home crowd. Martins was not able to match the Canadian for the pace, and for the first time in the meet, the Latvian was knocked off his mantle, being made to settle for second.

Regardless Martins was ecstatic with the medal, telling Diena that although he was disappointed with his final run, any medal is still great.

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