Ben Ogden Breaks 50-Year U.S. Olympic Medal Dry Spell in Cross-Country Skiing
Ben Ogden has marked a significant moment in American sports history by breaking the 50-year Olympic medal drought in men’s cross-country skiing. Competing in Tesero, Italy, Ogden secured a silver medal in the sprint event at the Winter Olympics. This achievement follows the United States’ last medal in this category, which was earned by Bill Koch in 1976.
Historic Achievement in Cross-Country Skiing
This medal win represents only the second Olympic medal for American men in cross-country skiing. Bill Koch won the first and only other medal, a silver, during the 1976 Winter Olympics held in Innsbruck, Austria.
Ogden’s Performance at the Olympics
In a highly competitive race, Ogden finished behind Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who won gold. Klæbo’s victory marked his second consecutive gold medal of the Games. Oskar Opstad Vike from Norway captured the bronze medal.
Ogden, aged 25, displayed remarkable skill throughout the competition. He finished second in the qualification rounds, trailing only Klæbo. In the quarterfinals, Ogden made an impressive move during a crucial final climb, clocking the fastest time across the heats. Although he was narrowly edged out in the semifinal, his performance qualified him for the final as a lucky loser after finishing third in his heat.
In the final race, Ogden finished just shy of a second behind Klæbo, showcasing his potential against seasoned competitors.
Background and Recent Success
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall, Ogden hails from Vermont and is known for his distinctive mustache. He was the fastest U23 skier during the 2022-23 season, earning the prestigious green bib that signifies youth excellence in skiing. Earlier, he had reached his first World Cup podium in December 2023 during the well-regarded Tour de Ski.
His consistency continued with a second podium finish in a 10km race in France and a third podium in a team event in Switzerland last month. Each of those successes underscores his upward trajectory in the sport, making Tuesday’s silver medal his most significant achievement yet.
The Rise of American Cross-Country Skiing
Ogden’s success, alongside teammate Gus Schumacher, reflects a broader resurgence in American cross-country skiing. Both athletes have expressed their aspirations to elevate the United States’ presence in international competition.
In January 2025, Ogden stated, “We want to be someone that people are looking out for,” highlighting their commitment to transforming American skiing from an underdog to a formidable contender on the world stage.
This historic victory for Ogden is celebrated as an inspiring moment for athletes and fans alike. The potential for further success in upcoming competitions continues to build excitement within the skiing community.
