Olga Graf of Russia reacts during the women's 3000m speed-skating event in the Adler Arena Sunday. European Pressphoto Agency

Grinning all the way around her final lap, Ireen Wust took the Netherlands' second speed-skating gold medal in as many days by winning the women's 3,000 meters. But what ignited the home fans was Olga Graf, who finished third to claim Russia's first medal of these Olympics.

Throughout Graf's skate, the supporters inside the Adler Arena repeated loud chants of "Rossiya! Rossiya!" and waved flags. Even after she'd finished, entire sections would howl as she passed them on her way back to the locker room.

"The fans were absolutely crazy, they cheered so much I could barely hear my coach," Graf said in Russian after the race. "The Russian fans are a real boost because they're so genuine."

The only group that could rival the Russian's vocal support was the Dutch contingent. Filling the stands with large swathes of orange, they had plenty to shout about. Their skaters have now taken gold in both long-track events so far. Wust, the defending world champion over the distance, delivered a beautifully controlled skate to win in 4 minutes and 0.34 seconds. Martina Sablikova of the Czech Republic was second, failing to defend the Olympic title that she won in Vancouver four years ago. The two will lock horns again in the 5,000 meters next week.

Write to Joshua Robinson at joshua.robinson@wsj.com