Norway’s Klaebo Breaks Winter Olympics Record with 9th Gold Medal Win

Norwegian cross-country skiing superstar Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo made history at the Winter Olympics by winning his ninth gold medal. This remarkable achievement sets a new record for the event. Klaebo, aged 29, anchored the men’s 4 x 7.5-kilometer relay, contributing to Norway’s fourth gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Klaebo Breaks Winter Olympics Record

Klaebo now stands alone at the summit of Olympic records. Previously, he shared the title with three retired Norwegian athletes: Marit Bjoergen, Bjoern Daehlie, and Ole Einar Bjoerndalen. After the race, Klaebo expressed his gratitude, noting the special camaraderie within his team.

Teamwork and Celebration

“I like the sound of that! It’s a pretty nice title,” Klaebo remarked. He emphasized the importance of team spirit, stating, “In Norway, winning the relay is what really matters — and today we all delivered.”

Despite pre-race nerves, the atmosphere remained relaxed as the team executed a flawless performance. France took second place, finishing 22.2 seconds behind Norway, while Italy secured third place with a lag of 47.9 seconds.

Support and Atmosphere

Klaebo finished the race with a time of 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 24.5 seconds, even taking a moment to acknowledge the cheering crowd as he approached the finish line. Notably, Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre was present, celebrating Klaebo’s success on social media. He applauded the team’s effort, stating, “With today’s team effort, Klaebo becomes the Winter Olympian of all time!”

Fan Reactions

• Norwegian fan Oddmund Haughness traveled to Italy to support Klaebo and his former schoolmate Einar Hedegart.
• Haughness remarked on Klaebo’s abilities, calling him “probably the best cross-country skier of all time.”

Other Competitors’ Outcomes

The United States finished sixth after a strong start, trailing behind Finland and Canada. In contrast, Sweden faced another disappointing relay result, finishing in last place, tenth overall.

Despite setbacks, the excitement among the fans was palpable. The stands were filled with supporters from Norway and Sweden, enjoying a festive atmosphere during the races.

Italian Celebration

Italy’s Federico Pellegrino, competing in his final season, also celebrated the occasion, expressing his dreams turning into reality. The home crowd delighted in the races, with clear skies adding to the festive spirit.

As the Winter Olympics continue, Klaebo’s record win highlights the enduring excellence of Norwegian cross-country skiing and further enhances his legacy in the sport.