Sablikova

At 5-7 and 119 pounds, Sablikova is relatively diminutive in her sport, and 38 pounds lighter than Hughes.

Canada's Hughes bows out with bronze; Sablikova takes gold 2010

Sablikova is the first Winter Olympian from the Czech Republic to win two golds at a single Games.

Canada's Hughes bows out with bronze; Sablikova takes gold 2010

"I was extremely exhausted and I was in a lot of pain," Sablikova said.

Canada's Hughes bows out with bronze; Sablikova takes gold 2010

Sablikova also won the 3,000 meters and took third in the 1,500, despite being from a nation that doesn't have a long-track speedskating oval.

Canada's Hughes bows out with bronze; Sablikova takes gold 2010

In third was Martina Sablikova who, with her earlier gold in the 3,000, became only the second athlete from the Czech Republic to win two medals at a single Winter Games.

Netherlands' Wust stuns host with gold in women's 1,500 2010

Canada's Hughes bows out with bronze; Sablikova takes gold - USATODAY. com

Canada's Hughes bows out with bronze; Sablikova takes gold 2010

Sablikova, Hughes said, is an athlete who could duplicate her Summer-Winter Olympic tandem, if she ramps up her involvement with cycling.

Canada's Hughes bows out with bronze; Sablikova takes gold 2010

Martina Sablikova of the Czech Republic, skating in the final pair, won her second gold medal of the Vancouver Olympics in the women's 5,000-meter event.

Canada's Hughes bows out with bronze; Sablikova takes gold 2010

That motor was in overdrive as Sablikova crossed the finish line in 6 minutes, 50.91 seconds in the final pair.

Canada's Hughes bows out with bronze; Sablikova takes gold 2010

Canada's Hughes bows out with bronze; Sablikova takes gold

Canada's Hughes bows out with bronze; Sablikova takes gold 2010