Skier Johannes Klæbo's Fast Uphill Run Becomes Famous Online

Johannes Klæbo, a cross-country skier from Norway, won a gold medal at the Winter Olympics with a very fast uphill sprint. Many people have watched videos of his amazing run online, and other skiers are impressed by his speed and skill.
By Newsroom | Sports, Winter Olympics |

A remarkable display of speed and strength by Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo during the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics has captured worldwide attention. His explosive uphill sprint in the closing moments of the classic sprint final has not only earned him a gold medal but has also gone viral across social media platforms. The event has brought a significant spotlight to the sport of cross-country skiing, with Klæbo's performance generating widespread admiration and discussion.

Context: A Dominant Performance Amidst Olympic Competition

The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games have seen Johannes Høsflot Klæbo demonstrate exceptional dominance in Nordic skiing. He secured the first two men's gold medals, winning the 20 km skiathlon and the sprint classic. This recent victory in the sprint marks his third consecutive Olympic title in the discipline. Klæbo is currently pursuing a historic goal of winning six Olympic gold medals in cross-country skiing at these Games, a feat previously unachieved by any athlete.

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Winter Olympics cross-country skier becomes viral sensation for his incredible uphill sprint - 1

His defining moment occurred during the men's sprint classic final. Using a distinct herringbone-style uphill running technique, Klæbo surged ahead of his competitors, including countryman Oskar Vike and American Ben Ogden. This powerful ascent was widely reported to be at an average pace of approximately 17 km/h, with some sources noting it as being under a six-minute mile pace uphill.

Key Actors:

  • Johannes Høsflot Klæbo: Norwegian cross-country skier, Olympic champion.

  • Oskar Vike: Norwegian skier, competitor.

  • Ben Ogden: American skier, silver medalist, who secured the first Olympic medal for U.S. men in the sport in 50 years.

Evidence of Viral Spread and Athlete Acclaim

The visual of Klæbo's uphill sprint has resonated widely online. NBC Olympics posted a video of the sprint on social media, which has garnered millions of views and shares.

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Winter Olympics cross-country skier becomes viral sensation for his incredible uphill sprint - 2

  • Social Media Reach: One post by NBC had approximately 13 million views and 3,000 shares, while another on X reported around 14 million views and 3,000 shares.

  • Athlete Reactions: Competitors have expressed awe at Klæbo's performance. Silver medalist Ben Ogden remarked that Klæbo appeared to be competing in an "entirely different sport," acknowledging that "a lot of the time it's a race for second." Ogden also noted Klæbo's comprehensive skill set: "He has it all: Technique, tactics, power and speed."

Data on Performance and Impact:

MetricDetailSource
Uphill PaceAveraged ~17 km/h; reported as sub-six-minute mile pace uphillCanadian Running Magazine, HuffPost
GradientSeven per cent gradientCanadian Running Magazine
Social Media Views~13-14 million views on shared videosNBC Olympics, HuffPost
Competitor's MedalBen Ogden (USA) won silver, first US male medal in 50 yearsHuffPost, CBS News
Klæbo's Total Golds7 Olympic gold medals (as of this report)The Big Lead, CBS News, Olympics.com
Unverified PaceReuters could not verify the precise paceHuffPost, The Star Malaysia

Klæbo's Ascendancy and Sport's Visibility

Klæbo's exceptional performance on the slopes has not only boosted his personal achievements but has also brought increased attention to cross-country skiing. His dominance, coupled with the viral nature of his sprint, has elevated the sport's profile on a global scale, potentially attracting new audiences.

A Focus on Uphill Technique

The specific technique Klæbo employed to surge uphill has been a focal point. His ability to maintain such a high speed on an incline, utilizing the herringbone motion, has been described as a "jaw-dropping moment." This visual has been widely shared and discussed, contributing to its viral status.

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Winter Olympics cross-country skier becomes viral sensation for his incredible uphill sprint - 3

The Internet's Response: Admiration and Memes

Beyond admiration, Klæbo's sprint has also become a source of internet humor and memes. The sheer speed and power displayed have prompted various online reactions, blending respect for his athletic prowess with lighthearted commentary.

Expert and Competitor Insights

The consensus among those directly involved and observing the event is one of profound respect for Klæbo's capabilities. Ben Ogden, the American silver medalist, encapsulates this sentiment.

Winter Olympics cross-country skier becomes viral sensation for his incredible uphill sprint - 4

"But these days, a lot of the time it’s a race for second." - Ben Ogden, U.S. Silver Medalist.

"Klaebo appeared to be competing in an entirely different sport." - Ben Ogden, on Klæbo's uphill sprint.

Klæbo's all-around skill set is also frequently cited. His combination of "technique, tactics, power and speed" makes him a formidable competitor, consistently challenging his rivals.

Conclusion: A Viral Moment Amplifying Athletic Excellence

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo's visually striking uphill sprint during the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics has transcended the sport itself, becoming a global internet sensation. The combination of an elite athletic performance, significant social media reach, and reactions from fellow athletes has amplified the impact of this moment. While Reuters could not verify the precise pace of his ascent, the qualitative evidence of his speed and power is undeniable, as reflected in both observer comments and the broad online engagement. This event not only highlights Klæbo's pursuit of Olympic history but also serves to increase the visibility and appreciation of cross-country skiing on the world stage. The viral nature of the sprint suggests a strong public interest in exceptional athletic feats, with Klæbo's performance providing a compelling example.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Johannes Høsflot Klæbo?
He is a cross-country skier from Norway who won a gold medal at the Winter Olympics. He is known for his great speed and skill.
Q: What made his sprint famous?
He ran uphill very fast using a special technique. Videos of his run have been watched by millions online.
Q: How fast was he going uphill?
He ran uphill at about 17 km/h, which is very fast for climbing.
Q: What did other skiers say?
The skier who got second place said Klæbo seemed to be in a different sport because he was so much faster.