Klaebo Wins Gold, Breaks Records at Winter Games
Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo made history on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Winter Games in Milan Cortina. The 29-year-old Norweigan cross-country skier secured his eighth gold medal by winning the men’s 10-kilometer interval-start race. This victory marks his third gold in the current Olympics and ties him with three legendary Norwegian athletes in Olympic history.
Klaebo’s Historic Achievement
Klaebo’s win places him alongside Marit Bjørgen, Bjørn Dæhlie, and Ole Einar Bjørndalen, all renowned champions in their respective disciplines. Reflecting on his milestone, Klaebo noted the significance of this victory, as he typically struggles in timed races without direct competition. He completed the race in 20 minutes and 36.2 seconds, finishing 4.9 seconds ahead of France’s Mathis Desloges and 14 seconds before his main competitor, fellow Norwegian Einar Hedegart.
Friday the 13th: A Lucky Day
Despite the common superstitions surrounding Fridays that fall on the 13th, Klaebo embraced the day as fortuitous. He had previously proposed to his girlfriend, Pernille Doesvik, on a similar date and declared, “I think I like Friday the 13th. It’s a good day.”
- Klaebo’s Gold Medals: 8 at Winter Games
- Current Olympics Gold Medals: 3
- Race Completion Time: 20:36.2
- Distance Ahead of Second Place: 4.9 seconds
- Temperature on Race Day: 5 degrees Celsius (41 Fahrenheit)
Competitors’ Responses
Desloges, competing in his Olympic debut, celebrated winning his second silver medal. He expressed pride in his hard work and determination to compete at a high level. “I trained incredibly hard for these races,” Desloges stated, emphasizing his focus during the competition.
Conditions on race day proved favorable for Klaebo, as organizers opted not to treat the course on the event day. Norwegian supporters celebrated his victory, draping their national flags around the athletes. Klaebo’s grandfather, Kare Hoesflot, attended to witness this remarkable achievement, underscoring the family support behind his success.
Reaction from Norway
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre congratulated Klaebo on social media, highlighting his “show of strength” in the race. Fans echoed similar sentiments, celebrating the skier’s dedication and achievement. Retired marketing manager Finn Dahl praised Klaebo’s relentless work ethic and commitment to training, adding, “He’s so dedicated. He sacrificed everything.”
Klaebo’s triumph in the 2026 Winter Olympics reaffirms his status as a prominent figure in cross-country skiing history. As the games continue, he remains a top contender for further success.
