2026 Winter Olympics: Johannes Klaebo's Dominance and Italian Double Triumph in Ski Cross

Competition on the trails in Livigno and Tesero provided unforgettable emotions for fans. Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo was declared the absolute hero of the Games. The Norwegian triumphed in the 50 km classical technique mass start, sealing his sixth gold medal at a single event. This is an unprecedented achievement in the history of cross-country skiing, confirming the total dominance of the Norway team in endurance disciplines. In the men's ski cross, Italian fans witnessed a historic double. Simone Deromedis won the gold medal, displaying top form despite difficult weather conditions and heavy snowfall. Second place was taken by Federico Tomasoni, for whom this success had a personal dimension. The athlete competed in a helmet commemorating his tragically deceased partner/girlfriend (described in Italian media as "fidanzata"), Matilde Lorenzi. The tradition of the 50 km race (the so-called royal distance) dates back to the first Winter Games in Chamonix in 1924, representing the toughest test for cross-country skiers for decades. On the ice rink in Milan, the competition in the mass start concluded. In the men's competition, the bronze medal for Italy was won by Andrea Giovannini, marking the thirtieth medal for the hosts. Gold was won by Dutchman Jorrit Bergsma. Among women, Marijke Groenewoud of the Netherlands was unbeatable, while the Italian representative, Francesca Lollobrigida, finished in the worst position for an athlete, fourth place. These results increased the Netherlands' tally in the medal table, but did not automatically mean overtaking Italy in the medal standings.È tutto molto emozionante. Avevo immaginato questo momento, le favole esistono. In biathlon, fans' eyes were on Anterselva, where the legend of the sport, Dorothea Wierer, ended her competitive career. The Italian placed fifth in the mass start, admitting after the race that the right time had come to say goodbye to elite sport. Gold in this event was won by Frenchwoman Oceane Michelon, confirming the strong position of France at this year's Games. Organizers have already prepared the arena in Verona for the closing ceremony, which is set to combine tradition with a modern approach to sports spectacle.