TESERO, Italy – Johannes Høsflot Klæbo cemented his place among the all-time greats of Winter Olympic sport on Sunday, securing his ninth career gold medal as part of the Norwegian team in the men’s 4x10km cross-country skiing relay at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. This historic victory moves Klæbo ahead of the previous record holders, a feat that underscores his dominance in the sport and solidifies his legacy.
The 29-year-old Norwegian skier, who already equaled the record of eight golds on Friday with a win in the men’s 10km interval start free, now stands alone atop the Winter Olympics medal table for cross-country skiing. Klæbo’s performance throughout the Milano Cortina Games has captivated audiences and left competitors in awe, demonstrating a rare combination of endurance, tactical brilliance, and explosive power. The Norwegian team finished with a time of 37 minutes, 55.1 seconds, showcasing a commanding performance from start to finish.
Klæbo’s Ascent to Olympic Greatness
Klæbo’s journey to this historic milestone began at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, where he won his first gold medals. He continued his success at the 2022 Beijing Games, adding to his impressive tally. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level, even under immense pressure, has become his trademark. The relay victory at Milano Cortina 2026 is not just a testament to his individual skill, but also to the strength and depth of the Norwegian cross-country skiing program.
The Norwegian team, comprised of Klæbo, Erik Valnes, Harald Amundsen, and Simen Hegstad Krüger, navigated the challenging course with precision and teamwork. They maintained a lead throughout the race, demonstrating a clear strategy and exceptional stamina. France finished second, 28.9 seconds behind Norway, while Finland secured the bronze medal.
Tactical Race and Final Push
Klæbo, anchoring the Norwegian team, received the baton with a comfortable lead and skillfully managed the final leg, extending the gap and securing the gold medal. He demonstrated the same controlled pace and explosive finish that characterized his individual 10km victory earlier in the week, clocking a time of 20 minutes, 36.2 seconds in that event. He noted after the 10km race that he was happy with his tactics, conserving energy in the first half and unleashing a powerful surge on the final hill.
The men’s 10km interval start free on February 13th saw Klæbo finish 4.9 seconds ahead of France’s Mathis Desloges, who earned a silver medal in his first Olympic appearance. Norway’s Einar Hedegart took bronze, finishing 14 seconds behind Klæbo. Desloges’s performance was celebrated by the French team, who linked arms and danced on the snow in a display of camaraderie.
Looking Ahead
With this ninth gold medal, Klæbo has set a new benchmark for success in Winter Olympics cross-country skiing. His continued dominance raises the question of how many more medals he will add to his collection in future Games. The Norwegian skier’s dedication to his craft, combined with his exceptional talent, positions him as a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue to deliver thrilling moments and showcase the incredible athleticism of competitors from around the globe. As the Games progress, all eyes will be on Klæbo to observe if he can further extend his record and solidify his status as a true Olympic legend.
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