Johannes Klæbo Wins 6 Gold Medals at 2026 Winter Olympics Cross-Country Skiing

Johannes Klæbo won 6 gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, more than any other athlete in a single Winter Games. He now has 11 career Olympic golds.
By Newsroom | Sports, Winter Olympics |

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo has achieved a historic performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics, securing an unprecedented six gold medals in cross-country skiing at a single Games. This remarkable feat solidifies his position as one of the most accomplished athletes in Winter Olympics history, setting new benchmarks in the sport. The narrative surrounding his success includes his remarkable ability to win across various disciplines and his steady accumulation of career Olympic golds.

A Record-Breaking Performance

The 2026 Winter Olympics have been defined by Johannes Høsflot Klæbo's exceptional performance in cross-country skiing. He has achieved six gold medals in individual events at these Games, a feat unmatched by any athlete in a single Winter Olympics edition. This achievement has been widely reported and celebrated across sports news outlets.

Winter Olympics 2026: Klæbo wins historic sixth gold, ski cross joy for Italy – live - 1

  • Historic Six Golds: Klæbo secured his sixth gold medal in the men's 50km mass start on February 21st, marking a historic first for any athlete in a single Winter Games. (Article 1, Article 3, Article 6)

  • Dominant Individual Record: This individual sweep at the 2026 Games mirrors his success at the previous year's World Championships. (Article 3)

  • Most Decorated Ever: Klæbo now holds the record for the most career Winter Olympic gold medals, surpassing previous record holders. (Article 4, Article 7, Article 11)

Klæbo's Olympic Journey and Medal Tally

Klæbo's success at the 2026 Games adds to an already impressive Olympic career. His victory in the men's 50km mass start brought his total career Olympic gold medals to eleven.

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  • Total Career Golds: Klæbo's 11 Olympic gold medals place him among the most decorated Olympians ever, including swimmer Michael Phelps. (Article 5, Article 6, Article 11)

  • Surpassing Legends: He has now surpassed the records of Norwegian skiing greats Marit Bjørgen, Bjørn Dæhlie, and biathlete Ole Einar Bjørndalen. (Article 4, Article 7, Article 11)

  • Event Wins: His gold medals at these Games include the 20km skiathlon, individual sprint, 4x7.5km relay, team sprint, and the 50km mass start. (Article 3, Article 11)

Key Victories and Team Success

Beyond his individual brilliance, Klæbo has also been instrumental in Norway's team successes. His performance in the team sprint and relay events has been crucial for his nation.

Winter Olympics 2026: Klæbo wins historic sixth gold, ski cross joy for Italy – live - 2

  • Team Sprint Triumph: Klæbo led Norway to gold in the men's team sprint free, securing his fifth win of the Milano Cortina Olympics and his tenth career gold medal. (Article 2, Article 11)

  • Relay Gold: He also anchored Norway's victory in the men's 4x7.5km cross-country relay, which marked his ninth career Olympic gold medal. (Article 4, Article 7)

  • Norwegian Dominance: Klæbo's wins have contributed to Norway breaking its own record for the most golds won in a single Games. (Article 12)

Familial Influence and Coaching

The support and guidance from his family, particularly his grandfather and coach Kåre Høsflot, have been highlighted as significant factors in Klæbo's success.

  • Grandfather's Impact: Kåre Høsflot, an 82-year-old coach, gifted Klæbo his first skis at the age of two, shaping his career from its beginnings. (Article 2)

  • Legacy of Skiers: Klæbo's success continues a strong Norwegian tradition in cross-country skiing, with his grandfather having gifted him his first pair of skis. (Article 2)

Broader Olympic Context

While Klæbo's achievements in cross-country skiing have dominated headlines, other notable events have occurred at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

  • Italian Ski Cross Joy: Italy experienced success in ski cross, with athletes achieving medals in the event. (Article 1)

  • US Team Success: The U.S. team achieved milestones, with Ben Ogden securing his second Olympic medal and Gus Schumacher winning his first. (Article 2, Article 8)

  • Other Notable Wins: Daniela Maier of Germany won gold in women's ski cross, and Alex Ferreira of the USA took gold in men's freeski halfpipe. (Article 12)

Expert Analysis and Significance

The extent of Klæbo's achievements has prompted significant commentary on his place in sporting history. His ability to win across different race formats and his consistent dominance are key points of discussion.

  • Greatest Cross-Country Skier: Klæbo is widely regarded as the greatest male cross-country skier of all time due to his medal haul and consistent winning. (Article 2, Article 3)

  • Unprecedented Achievement: His six gold medals in a single Winter Olympics have set a new standard for individual performance. (Article 3, Article 6)

  • Comparison to Other Sports: His medal count is often compared to athletes from other sports, highlighting his standing among all Olympians. (Article 11)

Conclusion and Future Implications

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo's performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics is a landmark achievement that will be studied for years to come. His record-breaking six gold medals in a single Games and his eleven career golds signify a new era of dominance in cross-country skiing.

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  • Legacy Cemented: Klæbo has definitively cemented his legacy as the most successful cross-country skier in Olympic history and one of the greatest Winter Olympians of all time.

  • Impact on the Sport: His success is expected to inspire a new generation of skiers and further elevate the profile of cross-country skiing.

  • Ongoing Competition: The 2026 Games continue with other events, but Klæbo's story has already become a central narrative of these Olympics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many gold medals did Johannes Høsflot Klæbo win at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo won a historic six gold medals in cross-country skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics. This is the most gold medals won by any athlete in a single Winter Games.
Q: What is Johannes Høsflot Klæbo's total number of Olympic gold medals?
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo now has eleven Olympic gold medals in his career. This total makes him one of the most decorated Olympians of all time and the most decorated in cross-country skiing.
Q: Which events did Johannes Høsflot Klæbo win gold in at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Klæbo won gold in the 20km skiathlon, individual sprint, 4x7.5km relay, team sprint, and the 50km mass start. He also won gold in another event, bringing his total to six.
Q: How does Johannes Høsflot Klæbo's success compare to other athletes?
Klæbo's six gold medals in one Games is a new record for the Winter Olympics. His eleven career golds also place him above past skiing legends like Marit Bjørgen and Bjørn Dæhlie.
Q: Who is Johannes Høsflot Klæbo's coach and how did he start skiing?
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo's grandfather and coach, Kåre Høsflot, has been a key influence. Kåre Høsflot gave Klæbo his first skis when he was just two years old, starting his journey in the sport.