Johannes Klæbo Wins 9th Gold, Breaks Winter Olympics Record

Johannes Klæbo of Norway has made history by winning his ninth Olympic gold medal in cross-country skiing. This is a new record for the Winter Olympics. In other news, Canada's Mikaël Kingsbury won gold in freestyle skiing.
By Newsroom | Winter Sports, Olympics |

Day nine of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics witnessed a historic moment as Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo secured his ninth Olympic gold medal, surpassing the previous record. Simultaneously, the women's giant slalom event delivered a tense deciding run, and Canada's Mikaël Kingsbury claimed a significant gold in freestyle skiing.

High-Stakes Performances Mark Olympic Day Nine

The pressure was palpable across multiple venues on day nine of the Winter Olympics. Johannes Klæbo, already a celebrated figure in cross-country skiing, entered the day with a chance to etch his name in history. The men's cross-country 4x7.5km relay became a focal point, with Klæbo anchoring Norway's team to victory. Meanwhile, the women's giant slalom promised a dramatic conclusion, with Mikaela Shiffrin and Federica Brignone among the leading contenders. In freestyle skiing, Mikaël Kingsbury aimed to add to his legacy in the men's dual moguls final. The events unfolded with a blend of record-breaking achievements and nail-biting finishes, captivating audiences worldwide.

Read More: Great Britain Wins First Snow Gold at Olympics

Winter Olympics 2026: Klæbo breaks gold medal record, women’s giant slalom deciding run – live - 1

A Day of Records and Triumphs

Klæbo Ascends to New Heights in Cross-Country Skiing

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo of Norway achieved a landmark victory in the men's 4x7.5km cross-country skiing relay. This win marked his ninth Olympic gold medal, establishing a new record for the most gold medals won by an athlete in Winter Olympics history. He now stands alone, surpassing the previous record of eight golds held by Norwegian legends like Marit Bjørgen, Ole Einar Bjørndalen, and Bjørn Daehlie. France secured silver in the relay, with Italy taking bronze.

Kingsbury Secures Respected Gold in Dual Moguls

In a notable display of skill, Mikaël Kingsbury of Canada captured his second career Olympic gold medal in the men's freestyle skiing dual moguls. This victory, potentially his last at the Olympic level, adds a significant achievement to his already decorated career, with his previous gold having been won eight years prior. Australia's Matt Graham earned bronze, marking a third medal for Australia in the moguls at these Games.

Read More: Great Britain Wins First Snow Gold Medal

Winter Olympics 2026: Klæbo breaks gold medal record, women’s giant slalom deciding run – live - 2

Women's Giant Slalom Delivers Deciding Drama

The women's giant slalom competition was a highlight of the day, featuring Mikaela Shiffrin of the USA and Italy's Federica Brignone. After the first run, Brignone held the lead, with Shiffrin positioned in seventh place, facing an uphill battle in the second run. The final outcome of this event depended on the execution of the concluding descent.

United States Men's Hockey Team Shows Resilience

The men's ice hockey tournament saw the United States team demonstrate a strong performance against Denmark. The US team established and maintained a lead throughout the match, securing a 4-2 victory. Key moments included Brady Tkachuk's crucial goal that leveled the score. However, reports suggest a less-than-ideal performance from Jeremy Swayman, the US goaltender.

Winter Olympics 2026: Klæbo breaks gold medal record, women’s giant slalom deciding run – live - 3

Evidence and Key Observations

  • Record-Breaking Performance: Johannes Høsflot Klæbo's ninth gold medal in the men's 4x7.5km cross-country skiing relay is definitively confirmed across multiple reports.

  • He surpasses the prior record of eight golds held by Norwegian athletes.

  • Norway secured gold, with France and Italy taking silver and bronze, respectively.

  • Mikaël Kingsbury's Dominance: Mikaël Kingsbury's gold medal in the men's dual moguls is consistently reported.

  • This marks his second Olympic gold and fifth Olympic medal overall.

  • Australia's Matt Graham claimed bronze.

  • Women's Giant Slalom Dynamics:

  • Federica Brignone led after the first run.

  • Mikaela Shiffrin was in seventh place after the initial run, indicating she had significant ground to cover in the final descent.

  • United States Men's Hockey Outcome: The US team defeated Denmark 4-2, with Brady Tkachuk scoring.

The Unprecedented Ascent of Johannes Høsflot Klæbo

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo's achievement in cross-country skiing transcends mere victory; it represents a paradigm shift in Olympic skiing history. His consistent ability to deliver under pressure, particularly in high-stakes relay events, underscores a remarkable technical prowess and strategic execution. Reports highlight his growing reputation for a "sprinter's finish," a tactic he seemingly employed to secure his latest historic gold. His earlier success in the Games, including multiple golds, built the foundation for this record-breaking performance.

Mikaël Kingsbury: A Freestyle Skiing Icon's Swan Song?

Mikaël Kingsbury's gold medal in the men's dual moguls adds another significant chapter to his illustrious career. Described as a "GOAT" (Greatest Of All Time) in his discipline, this victory, potentially his final Olympic appearance, underscores his enduring skill and competitive spirit. The narrative surrounding his performance suggests a seasoned athlete who, despite his age of 33, remains at the pinnacle of his sport, delivering a performance worthy of his legacy.

Read More: Great Britain Wins Historic Snowboard Gold

Winter Olympics 2026: Klæbo breaks gold medal record, women’s giant slalom deciding run – live - 4

Mikaela Shiffrin's Challenge in the Giant Slalom

The women's giant slalom presented a scenario where Mikaela Shiffrin, a decorated athlete with numerous accolades, faced a considerable deficit after the first run. Her seventh-place standing against Federica Brignone's lead indicated that her performance in the deciding run would be critical. This situation highlights the inherent unpredictability of alpine skiing and the intense competition among top athletes, even for those with extensive championship experience.

Team USA's Hockey Performance: A Mixed Report

The men's ice hockey game against Denmark offered a glimpse into the resilience and offensive capabilities of the United States team. Their ability to establish and maintain a lead, exemplified by Brady Tkachuk's goal, points to a capable squad. However, observations regarding Jeremy Swayman's performance introduce an element of uncertainty regarding the team's goaltending situation, a crucial position in any hockey tournament.

Expert Commentary and Athlete Insights

"You don’t know what it’s going to feel like ‘til you’re actually feeling it." - Johannes Høsflot Klæbo (as quoted in reporting on his record-breaking win)

"The greatest of all-time has his gold at these Games." - Reporting on Mikaël Kingsbury's dual moguls victory, highlighting his status in the sport.

Federica Brignone's strong first-run performance in the giant slalom suggests she is a formidable competitor, setting the stage for a compelling second run.

Mikaela Shiffrin's position after the first run indicates the high level of competition and the challenge she faced to contend for a medal in the women's giant slalom.

Conclusion and Future Implications

Day nine of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics was undeniably defined by Johannes Høsflot Klæbo's historic achievement of becoming the most decorated gold medalist in Winter Olympics history. His relentless pursuit of excellence in cross-country skiing sets a new benchmark for future generations. Concurrently, Mikaël Kingsbury solidified his legendary status in freestyle skiing with another Olympic gold, reinforcing his dominance. The women's giant slalom, with Federica Brignone leading and Mikaela Shiffrin seeking to overcome a deficit, promised a thrilling conclusion to the alpine skiing events. The men's hockey team also secured a victory, though performance nuances remain under observation.

Read More: Josie Baff Wins Gold Medal in Snowboard Cross for Australia

These results have significant implications for national pride, athlete legacies, and the ongoing narrative of the Milano Cortina Games. The focus now shifts to the remaining events, with anticipation building for further remarkable performances and potential upsets.

Source Analysis:

Read More: Brignone Wins Gold in Olympic Giant Slalom; Shiffrin Finishes 11th

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Johannes Klæbo?
Johannes Klæbo is a skier from Norway. He won the most gold medals in the history of the Winter Olympics.
Q: What record did Johannes Klæbo break?
He won his ninth Olympic gold medal. This is more than any other athlete has won at the Winter Olympics.
Q: Who else won gold?
Mikaël Kingsbury from Canada won a gold medal in freestyle skiing.
Q: Where are the Olympics happening?
These Winter Olympics are in Milano Cortina, Italy.