Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo achieved a historic feat at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. By winning the 50 km classic race, he secured his sixth gold medal at the same event, breaking Eric Heiden's record that had stood since 1980. Norway dominated the podium in the royal distance event, confirming its position as the medal table leader with a record-breaking 18 gold medals.
All-time record
Johannes Klaebo won 6 gold medals at a single Games, breaking Eric Heiden's record from 1980.
Norwegian dominance
Norway won 18 gold medals in Milan and Cortina, setting a new all-time record for a single nation.
Most decorated
With 11 gold medals in his career, Klaebo became the all-time leader in Winter Olympics medal count.
Frida Karlsson's misfortune
The Swedish favorite withdrew from the 50 km race due to illness, losing her chance for another medal.
Saturday's 50-kilometer race in Tesero became the scene of an unprecedented triumph for Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo. The 29-year-old Norwegian, by winning the final cross-country event, completed a full set of six gold medals in six starts. This achievement places him above legendary speed skater Eric Heiden, who won five titles in Lake Placid. Klaebo took the lead on the final climb, distancing his teammate Martin Loewstroem Nyenget by over 17 seconds. Klaebo's success is part of Norway's broader dominance, which occupied the entire podium in Val di Fiemme (bronze was won by Emil Iversen). The country's team broke the all-time record by winning 18 gold medals during a single Winter Olympics and surpassing the 40-medal mark overall. With 11 gold medals won across three consecutive Olympics, Klaebo became the most decorated Winter Olympian in history, surpassing his compatriots such as Marit Bjoergen or Ole Einar Bjoerndalen. The 50-kilometer race, known as the royal distance, is considered the most demanding endurance test in classic cross-country skiing. Introduced to the Olympic program during the first Winter Games in Chamonix in 1924, it has for decades been the prestigious conclusion of men's competitions. While the Norwegian men's team celebrates historic successes, the mood is worse in the Swedish camp. Their star athlete, Frida Karlsson, who was the favorite for Sunday's women's 50 km race, had to withdraw from the competition due to illness. Karlsson, who already has two golds from these Games, has thus weakened the Swedish relay team, which until now had been bravely facing Norwegian dominance in cross-country skiing. „I'm just chasing the feeling of those last 100 metres. That's what I do this all for.” — Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo
Mentioned People
- Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo — Norwegian cross-country skier, winner of six gold medals in 2026.
- Frida Karlsson — Swedish cross-country skier who withdrew from the 50 km race due to illness.
- Martin Loewstroem Nyenget — Norwegian cross-country skier, silver medalist in the 50 km race.