Johannes Klaebo Cements Olympic Legacy with Historic 10th Gold Medal
Norwegian skiing sensation Johannes Hosflot Klaebo has firmly etched his name into the annals of Olympic history, achieving a monumental milestone by clinching his 10th gold medal at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina. This remarkable feat sets a new all-time record, showcasing Klaebo's unparalleled dominance in cross-country skiing.
Team Sprint Victory Seals Fifth Gold of the Games
On Wednesday, Klaebo, aged 29, partnered with teammate Einar Hedegart to secure the top podium position in the men's team sprint discipline. The Norwegian duo delivered a stellar performance, clocking an impressive time of 18 minutes and 28.9 seconds. This victory marks Klaebo's fifth gold medal at the 2026 Games alone, underscoring his exceptional form and competitive edge.
The American pair of Ben Ogden and Gus Schumacher put up a strong challenge, finishing just 1.4 seconds behind to claim the silver medal. Notably, Klaebo's lead was even more substantial before he opted for a celebratory showboat across the finish line, adding a touch of flair to his triumph. Italy's Elia Barp and Federico Pellegrino earned the bronze medal, trailing by 3.3 seconds.
Unbeaten Streak and Record-Breaking Achievements
Klaebo has maintained a flawless record at the 2026 Games, winning every race he has entered. His recent success includes breaking the Winter Olympics record in Sunday's 4 x 7.5-kilometer relay, further solidifying his status as a skiing legend. Incredibly, Klaebo now ranks second on the all-time list of Olympic gold medals, trailing only swimming icon Michael Phelps, whose 23 golds remain a towering benchmark.
In the realm of Winter Olympics, Klaebo is racing ahead of all rivals, with fellow Norwegian cross-country skier Marit Bjorgen next in line with eight golds accumulated between 2002 and 2018. Klaebo's achievements are a testament to his relentless drive and peak physical condition at just 29 years old.
Future Prospects and Women's Competition Highlights
The 2026 Games could yield even more glory for Klaebo as he prepares to compete in the 50-kilometer mass start over the weekend. This event remains the only cross-country skiing discipline in which he has yet to medal, having not participated in 2018 and failing to finish at Beijing 2022. Given his current form, he appears nearly unbeatable, with his performance at the 2025 World Championships in Trondheim—where he swept gold in all six disciplines—serving as a precursor to his Olympic success.
In the women's team sprint on Wednesday, Sweden continued its winning streak at the Games, with Jonna Sundling and Maja Dahlqvist taking the gold. Switzerland's Nadja Kaelin and Nadine Faehndrich secured silver, while Laura Gimmler and Coletta Rydzek of Germany claimed bronze. Norway was edged out to fourth place, and the United States' Jessie Diggins and Julia Kern finished fifth after an early pace push.
Norway's dominance in cross-country skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics remains evident, with Klaebo's historic achievements leading the charge and inspiring athletes worldwide.
