Klaebo Wins Record 10th Olympic Gold in Cross-Country Skiing | 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics

Milan Cortina, Italy – Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo cemented his place in Olympic history on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, securing his tenth career gold medal at the Winter Games. This achievement, earned in the men’s team sprint alongside Einar Hedegart with a time of 18 minutes, 28.9 seconds, establishes a new record for Winter Olympic gold medals.

A Historic Achievement

Klaebo’s victory places him in an exclusive club, becoming only the second Olympian to reach double-digit gold medal counts. He joins swimming legend Michael Phelps, who amassed 23 golds across four Olympic appearances between 2004 and 2016, including a remarkable eight at the 2008 Beijing Games. Klaebo, at 29 years old, has now won five gold medals at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games alone.

Did You Know? Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo broke the Winter Olympics record in the 4×7.5-kilometer relay on Sunday, setting the stage for his tenth gold medal.

The men’s team sprint saw a close finish, with the United States’ Ben Ogden and Gus Schumacher earning silver, just 1.4 seconds behind the Norwegian duo. Italy’s Elia Barp and Federico Pellegrino rounded out the podium with a bronze medal, 3.3 seconds off the winning pace. Schumacher’s performance was nearly upset on the final hill.

What’s Next for Klaebo?

Klaebo’s dominant performance at these Games continues on Saturday with the 50-kilometer mass start. A win in that event would see him join Phelps, Mark Spitz, Kristin Otto, and gymnast Vitaly Scherbo as one of only a handful of Olympians to win at least six gold medals at a single Games. Klaebo acknowledged the intense competition, stating, “There are so many strong teams and so many fast skiers, so it always comes down to tight battles.”

Expert Insight: Klaebo’s consistent success across multiple events demonstrates a remarkable level of athleticism and strategic racing. His ability to perform under pressure, as evidenced by his narrow victories, highlights his mental fortitude and positions him as a dominant force in cross-country skiing.

The women’s team sprint also concluded on Wednesday, with Jonna Sundling and Maja Dahlqvist of Sweden securing the gold medal. Switzerland’s Nadja Kaelin and Nadine Faehndrich took silver, while Germany’s Laura Gimmler and Coletta Rydzek claimed bronze. Norway finished just off the podium in fourth place.

An Unexpected Spectator

The women’s heats were briefly interrupted by an unexpected spectator – a dog that ran onto the course. The canine interloper ran alongside the athletes as they approached the finish line, drawing cheers from the crowd. Venue officials secured the dog, which had entered the venue despite a no-pets policy, and asked its owner to leave. Greece’s Konstantina Charalampidou noted the attention the dog brought, saying, “I became famous with a dog that came across the finish line, and everyone wants to interview me now.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo’s current Olympic gold medal count?

Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo currently has 10 Olympic gold medals.

Who was the only other Olympian to reach 10 gold medals before Klaebo?

Michael Phelps was the only other Olympian to reach 10 gold medals before Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo.

Which countries won medals in the men’s team sprint?

Norway won gold, the United States won silver, and Italy won bronze in the men’s team sprint.

As Klaebo prepares for the 50-kilometer mass start, what impact will this momentum have on his competitors and their strategies?