‘King Klaebo Reaches Olympic Summit, Matches All-Time Gold Medal Record’
Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo has made history by tying the record for the most gold medals in Winter Olympic history. Competing in the men’s cross-country skiing 10km free event in Milan-Cortina, Italy, Klaebo secured his eighth gold medal on Friday. This victory places him alongside three other esteemed Norwegian athletes who previously held the record.
Historic Victory in Milan-Cortina 2026
Klaebo’s latest win marks his third gold medal at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games. He now aims to achieve an unprecedented landmark by surpassing the all-time Olympic gold medal record in his remaining events. “This is the first time I have won a 10k skating interval start at an Olympic level, and doing it here is truly amazing,” Klaebo expressed after his triumphant race.
Race Highlights
The race was anticipated to result in a Norwegian sweep, yet Mathis Desloges of France surprised many by capturing the silver medal. Desloges finished just 4.9 seconds behind Klaebo, clocking a time of 20 minutes and 36 seconds. Einar Hedegart of Norway took home the bronze, arriving 14 seconds after Klaebo.
- Gold Medalist: Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo (Norway)
- Silver Medalist: Mathis Desloges (France)
- Bronze Medalist: Einar Hedegart (Norway)
- Winning Time: 20:36
This event was notably challenging for Klaebo, as he had never secured a top podium finish in a 10km free event. Previously, he won bronze in this category during the 2022 Beijing Games when it was contested in the classic technique. Throughout the race, Klaebo demonstrated remarkable stamina, starting conservatively before gaining speed at each checkpoint. By the midpoint, he led by 18 seconds, showcasing his strategy and skill.
Competitors’ Struggles
Klaebo’s performance peaked notably on the “Klaebo Climb,” where he distanced himself from the pack during the final kilometer. Meanwhile, competitors like Hedegart faced difficulties. “I’ve never experienced such dizziness,” Hedegart remarked after finishing. He had started strong but ultimately struggled to maintain his pace as he approached the finish line.
With this victory, Klaebo cements his legacy in Winter Olympic sports, setting the stage for a chance to make further history in his upcoming events. Fans and sports enthusiasts eagerly await his next performance at Filmogaz.com.
