USA’s Ben Ogden Credits Knitting for Cross-Country Silver at 2026 Winter Olympics
In a remarkable achievement for U.S. cross-country skiing, Ben Ogden secured a silver medal in the men’s sprint classic at the 2026 Winter Olympics. This victory marks the first Olympic medal for an American man in this event in fifty years.
Historic Achievement at Milano Cortina Games
Ogden completed his race in 3 minutes 40.61 seconds. He finished just shy of Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who won gold with a time of 3:39.74. Klæbo now has seven Olympic gold medals to his name. Oskar Opstad Vike of Norway captured the bronze medal after an impressive climb from 20th in qualifying.
A Journey to Success
Ben Ogden expressed immense joy over his achievement. “It’s an unbelievable dream come true. Everybody who races dreams of being on an Olympic podium,” he stated. His journey was fueled by a commitment to improvement and a strong training regimen.
Ogden is now the second American man to win an Olympic cross-country skiing medal, following Bill Koch’s silver in the 30km at the 1976 Innsbruck Games. His upbringing influenced his career significantly; his father, John Ogden, coached a local ski club in Vermont, instilling a passion for skiing in Ben from a young age.
Knit Your Way to Relaxation
Interestingly, Ogden attributes part of his success to his knitting hobby. He finds it an effective way to unwind amid the demanding schedule of the World Cup and international competitions. “It’s a great way to relax,” he noted after his race. His latest project is a pair of mittens featuring Joan of Arc.
Ogden is not alone in his pursuit of knitting among Olympians. His teammates, including Jessie Diggins and Julia Kern, have also embraced this relaxing craft, showcasing the diverse hobbies athletes utilize to cope with stress.
Impact on U.S. Cross-Country Skiing
Ogden’s silver medal is a significant milestone for the U.S. men’s cross-country program. Traditionally, the team has struggled, with previous performances rarely surpassing a 19th-place finish in Olympic events. However, the evolving composition of the team, including young talents like Gus Schumacher, has shifted expectations towards podium finishes.
Ogden stated, “Now it’s about pushing each other to get better.” This cultural shift within the team is now yielding results on the international stage, encouraging a new generation of American skiers.
Exciting Prospects Ahead
The race was a highlight for Ogden, who celebrated with several supporters who traveled from his hometown of Landgrove, Vermont. He is expected to compete in more events as the Olympics progress, promising exciting opportunities for the U.S. team to build on their recent success.
As excitement builds around winter sports, Ben Ogden’s silver medal serves as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for American cross-country skiing. His unique combination of athletic prowess and personal interests illustrates the multifaceted nature of today’s athletes.
