Dozens of South Korean supporters stayed behind to cheer North Korea's Han Chun Gyong and Pak Il Chol as they trundled home 100 places behind the leaders in the Olympic men's 15km cross-country on Friday. Despite an energetic start, Han finished 101st of 116 skiers at 42min 49.2sec – nine minutes behind the winner, Switzerland's Dario Cologna – with Pak 107th. The stands were nearly empty by the time they reached the finish line apart but a group of South Korean supporters, dressed in blue hoodies and waving mini unification flags, chanted and danced in the cold. The North Korean cheerleaders – who usually fill 200-plus seats when North Korean athletes are in action at the Games – were not present. "I gained strength from the support of our countrymen," said Han. "I think it will be even more meaningful once we achieve reunification."