Johannes Klaebo Wins Record 9th Olympic Gold | Winter Olympics 2026 Results

Johannes Hösflot Klaebo of Norway has cemented his place in Olympic history, becoming the first athlete to win nine gold medals at the Winter Olympic Games. The 29-year-old cross-country skier led the Norwegian team to victory in the 4×7.5km relay on Sunday in Tesero, Italy, adding to his already impressive tally.

A Historic Achievement

Breaking Records

Klaebo surpassed fellow Norwegian skiers Marit Björgen and Bjørn Dählie, as well as biathlete Ole Einar Björndalen, who each held eight gold medals. This achievement marks a new high point in Winter Olympic competition.

Race Recap

Sunday’s Relay

The Norwegian team finished the relay with a commanding lead, besting France by over 22 seconds. Italy secured the bronze medal on their home course. The Czech Republic’s team, comprised of Jiří Tuž, Michal Novák, Matyáš Bauer, and Mike Ophoff, finished seventh, nearly two minutes behind the winning Norwegian squad.

Klaebo’s Performance

Klaebo took over the final leg of the relay with a lead of over 12 seconds from Einar Hedegart and extended it further. His performance builds on a successful run at last year’s World Championships in Trondheim, where he won all six events.

Did You Know? Emil Iversen and Martin Löwström Nyenget were also members of the winning Norwegian relay team.

Other Notable Performances

France’s silver medal performance was aided by Mathis Desloges, who positioned the team for a strong finish. Italy’s Federico Pellegrino, competing in his final season, earned a bronze medal – his third Olympic medal, adding to silver medals from 2018 and 2022.

Expert Insight: Klaebo’s dominance highlights the strength of the Norwegian cross-country skiing programme and the dedication required to achieve such sustained success at the highest level of competition.

What’s Next?

Klaebo still has opportunities to add to his medal count at the current Olympics. He is scheduled to compete in the sprint double and the 50km classic marathon. A strong showing in these events could further solidify his legacy as one of the greatest Winter Olympians of all time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What country did Johannes Hösflot Klaebo represent?

Johannes Hösflot Klaebo represented Norway.

Which other athletes previously held the record for most gold medals at the Winter Olympics?

Marit Björgen, Bjørn Dählie, and Ole Einar Björndalen each held eight gold medals.

What was the margin of victory for the Norwegian team in the relay?

The Norwegian team won the relay by over 22 seconds.

What does this historic achievement mean for the future of cross-country skiing and the pursuit of Olympic glory?