Norwegian Skier Joins Phelps in 10-Gold Medal Club

Michael Phelps finally has company in one of sports' most exclusive clubs.

For 18 years, the legendary swimmer stood alone as the only Olympian with 10 or more gold medals. That changed Wednesday when Norway's Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo won his 10th gold in cross country skiing at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Klaebo, 29, raced to victory in the men's team sprint alongside partner Einar Hedegart. The duo finished in 18 minutes and 28.9 seconds, capturing Klaebo's fifth gold medal at these Games alone.

What makes this streak even more remarkable? Klaebo has won every single race he's entered in Milan Cortina. On Sunday, he broke the Winter Olympics record in the 4x7.5-kilometer relay, adding another historic moment to his already legendary run.

The Norwegian skier's dominance extends far beyond the Olympics. He's claimed 15 world championship titles and collected 30 medals in international competition. An astounding 25 of those medals are gold.

Why This Inspires

Klaebo's achievement highlights something special about athletic excellence. While Phelps built his legacy across four Olympics from 2004 to 2016, including a perfect 8-for-8 performance in Beijing, Klaebo is carving his own path in winter sports history.

He's now the only Winter Olympian to reach 10 golds. The three next closest athletes are all from Norway with eight golds each, and none are still competing. Klaebo's record appears safe for years to come.

The story might not be over yet. Klaebo will compete Saturday in the 50-kilometer mass start, seeking to go 6-for-6 at these Games. If he wins, he'll join an elite group of just four athletes who've won at least six golds at a single Olympics: Phelps (who did it twice), Mark Spitz, Kristin Otto, and Vitaly Scherbo.

Norway continues to prove itself a winter sports powerhouse, and Klaebo embodies that excellence with every stride.