Klæbo Secures Historic 10th Winter Olympic Gold in Team Sprint Triumph
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Winter Olympians in history, securing his record-breaking 10th gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. The Norwegian superstar led his country to victory in the men's cross-country team sprint on Wednesday, delivering a dominant performance that saw off fierce competition from the United States and Italy.
Norway Edges Out USA in Thrilling Cross-Country Final
Partnering with Einar Hedegart in the final, Klæbo clocked an impressive time of 18 minutes and 28.9 seconds to claim the top spot on the podium. The American duo of Ben Ogden and Gus Schumacher pushed them hard, finishing just 1.4 seconds behind to take silver, while Italy's Elia Barp and Federico Pellegrino secured bronze, trailing by 3.3 seconds.
This victory marks Klæbo's fifth gold medal at the Milano Cortina Olympics, adding to his already remarkable collection. The 29-year-old has now surpassed the previous record held by his Norwegian compatriots Marit Bjørgen, Ole Einar Bjørndalen, and Bjørn Daehlie, who each had eight gold medals before these Games.
Klæbo Joins Elite Company with Historic Achievement
With this latest triumph, Klæbo becomes only the second Olympian in history to reach double-digit gold medals, joining swimming legend Michael Phelps in this exclusive club. While Phelps amassed 23 golds across four Olympic Games from 2004 to 2016, Klæbo's achievement in Winter sports is equally monumental.
The Norwegian's golden haul now includes three victories from Pyeongchang 2018, two from Beijing 2022, and five from the current Milano Cortina Games. Beyond his Olympic success, Klæbo is also a 15-time world champion, demonstrating his consistent dominance in cross-country skiing.
Potential for Further Records in Coming Days
Klæbo has the opportunity to add to his historic tally in the upcoming 50km classic race on Saturday. A victory there would see him break Eric Heiden's record for the most gold medals in a single Winter Olympic Games, further solidifying his status as a sporting icon.
This team sprint victory not only highlights Norway's continued excellence in winter sports but also showcases the intense competition that defines Olympic cross-country skiing. The narrow margins between the medal positions underscore the elite level of athleticism on display at these Games.
