Johannes Høsflot Klæbo Ties All-Time Winter Olympics Gold Record
TESERO, Italy -- In a remarkable display of enduring athletic prowess, Norwegian cross-country skiing phenomenon Johannes Høsflot Klæbo has etched his name further into the annals of Winter Olympic history. On Friday, the 29-year-old secured his eighth career gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics, a feat that now ties him with some of the sport's most decorated legends.
Historic Eighth Gold Medal
Klæbo's latest triumph came in the gruelling men's 10-kilometer interval-start race, marking his third gold of the 2026 Games. The victory places him in an elite club, sharing the Winter Games record for most gold medals with three other retired Norwegian icons: cross-country skiing greats Marit Bjørgen and Bjoern Daehlie, and biathlon champion Ole Einar Bjoerndalen. This achievement underscores Klæbo's status as one of the most dominant figures in modern winter sports.
A Race Against Time and Rivals
The 10km interval-start race, often considered one of the most demanding challenges in cross-country skiing, saw Klæbo clock a winning time of 20 minutes, 36.2 seconds. Displaying a signature surge of power on the final hill, Klæbo managed to create a crucial gap, finishing 4.9 seconds ahead of France's Mathis Desloges and a significant 14 seconds in front of his Norwegian compatriot and main challenger, Einar Hedegart. The physical toll was evident as Klæbo collapsed at the finish line, a testament to the intense effort required.
Klæbo's Strategy and Reaction
Reflecting on his performance, Klæbo expressed a deep sense of accomplishment. "It's a special day," he stated, visibly emotional. "This one means a lot for sure. ... I'm lost for words." He attributed his success to a carefully executed race strategy, opting for a controlled pace in the initial half of the course to conserve energy for a decisive final push. "It was really hard out there today, so I'm very proud," he added.
French Underdog Shines
While Klæbo celebrated his historic win, the French camp was abuzz with excitement for underdog Mathis Desloges, who secured his second silver medal in his Olympic debut. Desloges' performance, particularly his strong showing against seasoned competitors, was a cause for celebration for the French team. "I trained incredibly hard for these races," Desloges commented. "I told people I was at this level, and now we are delivering." Like many in the interval start format, Desloges admitted to tuning out sideline shouts, preferring to focus solely on his own race and giving his absolute best.
Olympic Conditions and Spectacle
The race unfolded under crisp, blue skies in the picturesque setting of northern Italy's Dolomite mountains, with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The course, treated with salt the previous day to ensure a firm surface, was left untouched on race day. This decision, it seems, favoured early starters like Klæbo among the seeded skiers. The vibrant spectacle was amplified by the enthusiastic presence of Norwegian fans, whose flags adorned the spectator areas, creating a festive atmosphere.
National Pride and Support
The significance of Klæbo's achievement resonated deeply back home in Norway, where cross-country skiing is a national passion. Messages of congratulation poured in, including a social media post from Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, who lauded Klæbo's "show of strength" and his "thriller of a race." Klæbo's grandfather, Kare Høsflot, a pivotal figure in launching his career, was present in Italy to witness this monumental moment firsthand.
Looking Ahead: More Records in Reach?
With three more races still on his Milan Cortina schedule, the question on many minds is whether Johannes Høsflot Klæbo can surpass the current record and set a new benchmark for Winter Olympic gold medals. His consistent performance, tactical brilliance, and unwavering determination suggest that this is a very real possibility. The world of winter sports will undoubtedly be watching closely as Klæbo continues to chase athletic immortality.
