American Ben Ogden Ends U.S. Men’s 50-Year Cross-Country Skiing Medal Drought
Ben Ogden, a 25-year-old cross-country skier from Vermont, made history at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Tesero, Italy. He won a silver medal in the men’s sprint classic, marking the end of a 50-year medal drought for U.S. men in this sport.
Historic Olympic Medal Achievement
Ogden’s remarkable performance took place on February 10, 2026, at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium. He finished second, only behind Norway’s Johannes Klaebo, a renowned cross-country skier known for his record number of victories. Oskar Vike from Norway secured the bronze medal.
Emotional Celebration
After crossing the finish line, Ogden expressed his excitement, saying, “It was so, so awesome. I couldn’t be more thrilled to accomplish this goal.” During the medal ceremony, he celebrated by performing a backflip off the podium, fulfilling a promise made to his younger self.
Race Overview
- Event: Men’s Sprint Classic
- Date: February 10, 2026
- Location: Tesero, Val di Fiemme, Italy
- Ogden’s Qualification: Second place in qualifiers
- Heats: Advanced through quarter-finals and semi-finals
Ogden’s performance was impressive. He realized late in the race that a podium finish was within reach. “I looked around … and it was just the three of us,” he recalled.
Legacy and Inspiration
This victory is particularly significant as it ends a long wait since Bill Koch’s silver medal at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria. Ogden, who grew up near Koch, spoke about his inspiration, noting, “I know Bill; his medal gave a big boost to all the young skiers.”
U.S. Ski Team Reaction
The U.S. Ski Team celebrated Ogden’s accomplishment on social media, highlighting his achievement as the first American man to win an Olympic medal in men’s cross-country skiing since 1976. This victory not only honors Ogden but also paves the way for future generations of skiers.
Women’s Race Results
On the women’s side, Jessie Diggins, a leading U.S. cross-country skier, unfortunately, did not advance in the classic sprint races. Julia Kern, however, performed well, finishing in sixth place.
This story continues to develop, with more updates expected as the Olympics progress. Ben Ogden’s triumph stands as a monumental achievement for U.S. cross-country skiing, inspiring both current and future athletes.
