Norway's Klaebo Makes Winter Olympic History With 10 Golds

Twenty-nine-year-old Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo just rewrote Winter Olympic history. The Norwegian cross-country skier won five gold medals at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, bringing his career total to 10 golds and making him the most successful Winter Olympian of all time.

Klaebo's five-gold performance matched the legendary achievement of US speed skater Eric Heiden from the 1980 Lake Placid Games. His dominance on the cross-country course inspired fans across the globe and showed what dedication and talent can accomplish on the world's biggest winter sports stage.

The Norwegian team brought the energy throughout the Games. Jens Luraas Oftebro captured three Olympic victories in Nordic combined, adding to his country's remarkable showing in Italy.

Switzerland's Franjo van Allmen emerged as the standout alpine skier with three gold medals of his own. His technical skill and courage on the slopes thrilled spectators and proved that preparation meets opportunity at the highest level.

The host nation Italy had plenty to celebrate too. Federica Brignone sparked pure joy among home fans with victories in both the super G and giant slalom, while speed skater Federica Lollobrigida added two more gold medals for the azzurri.

The Ripple Effect

These 2026 Games created moments that will inspire the next generation of winter athletes. Young skiers across Norway are already dreaming of following in Klaebo's footsteps, while Italian children watched their heroes triumph on home snow and ice.

The performances showed that age and geography don't limit greatness. Athletes from small mountain towns competed alongside stars from major nations, all unified by their passion for winter sports and pursuit of excellence.

Germany found success in their traditional strengths, with the luge and bobsleigh teams delivering gold medal performances. Philipp Raimund's sensational victory in ski jumping provided an unforgettable highlight for the German delegation.

The Milano Cortina Games proved once again that the Winter Olympics bring out the best in human athletic achievement, creating heroes and memories that transcend borders.