Norway's Klæbo Wins Historic 10th Olympic Gold Medal

When Johannes Høsflot Klæbo crossed the finish line in Italy on Tuesday, he didn't just win another race. He joined swimming legend Michael Phelps in the most exclusive club in Olympic history: athletes with 10 gold medals.

The Norwegian cross-country skier and his teammate Einar Hedegart won the men's team sprint with a time of 18 minutes and 28.9 seconds. It marked Klæbo's fifth gold medal at the 2026 Games alone and his 10th career Olympic gold.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is Klæbo's perfect record in Milan Cortina. He's won every single race he's entered, including Sunday's relay where he broke the previous Winter Olympics record.

Americans Ben Ogden and Gus Schumacher nearly caught the Norwegian duo, finishing just 1.4 seconds behind for silver. Italy's home crowd had reason to celebrate too, as Elia Barp and Federico Pellegrino took bronze.

At 29 years old, Klæbo still has one more chance to add to his historic medal count. He'll compete in the 50-kilometer mass start this weekend, giving him a shot at an unprecedented sixth gold medal at a single Winter Games.

Why This Inspires

Klæbo's journey shows what happens when natural talent meets relentless dedication. Cross-country skiing demands incredible endurance and mental toughness, with races lasting anywhere from a few minutes to several hours through punishing terrain.

While Phelps dominated the pool across four Olympic Games, Klæbo is writing his own story on snow. He's become the face of a sport that often gets overlooked, proving that winter athletes can achieve the same legendary status as their summer counterparts.

The moment also highlights Norway's continued excellence in winter sports. The small Scandinavian nation of just 5.5 million people consistently produces world-class athletes who inspire younger generations to strap on skis and chase their own Olympic dreams.

Klæbo's success isn't just about individual glory either. His partnership with Hedegart in the team sprint shows the power of collaboration, trust, and working together toward a common goal.

One more race remains for the Norwegian champion to cap off what's already an unforgettable Olympic performance.