No one has more: Klaebo wins his eighth Olympic gold.

Norwegian cross-country skiing star Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo has won his eighth Olympic gold medal, thus joining the ranks of the record holders at the Winter Games.

February 13, 2026

From: dpa

The 29-year-old prevailed in the 10-kilometer freestyle race, beating Frenchman Mathis Desloges. Bronze went to Klaebo's compatriot Einar Hedegart, who had been on course for victory for much of the race. Hedegart was still in the lead with one kilometer to go in a thrilling race, but then faded.

“I’ve never won in this discipline before, the race has been on my mind for a very long time. To achieve it at the Olympics is incredible. I was very motivated to make it happen here. Today was my turn,” Klaebo told ARD.

The Norwegian gave it his all. © APA/afp / TOBIAS SCHWARZ

Klaebo, like his fellow Norwegians Marit Bjørgen (cross-country skiing), Ole Einar Bjørndalen (biathlon), and Bjørn Dæhlie (cross-country skiing), has now won eight gold medals. All three also collected four silver medals each. This puts them ahead of Klaebo in the all-time rankings, who won one silver medal at the Winter Games.

Klaebo hunts legends

Bjørgen, Bjørndalen, and Dæhlie have already ended their careers. Klaebo, meanwhile, has another great chance at gold in Italy. If he wins again, he would take sole possession of first place.

The best Italian was Martino Carollo, who finished in a fantastic seventh place. Simone Dapra came in 17th, while Davide Graz finished 41st.

Keywords Winter sports Olympics 2026 Cross-country skiing Johannes Klaebo