Cross-country skier finishes 26 minutes behind the pack, gets amazing hero's welcome at finish line

Scott Gleeson | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Best photos from Day 7 of the Olympics Check out some of the top images from the seventh day of the Pyeongchang Olympics.

Cross-country skier German Madrazo of Mexico finished dead last (115th) in the 15km cross-country race Friday at the Winter Games — nearly 26 minutes behind gold-medal winner Dario Cologna of Switzerland.

But Cologna was among a pack of skiers showing their Olympic spirit by giving Madrazo a hero's welcome at the end of the race.

Madrazo, a 43-year-old first-time Olympian who had never skied until last year, proudly carried a Mexican flag for the race's final stretch. Once he crossed the finish line, fellow skiers greeted Madrazo and lifted him into the air.

The made-for-TV moment featured spectators cheering wildly for the emotional Madrazo.

Mexican cross-country skier German Madrazo crossed the finish line last, but he was all smiles as he did it proudly carrying his nation's flag. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8qILNmFjyE — NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 16, 2018

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