Norway Wins 17 Gold Medals at 2026 Winter Olympics, Sets New Record

Norway won 17 gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, beating their old record. This is more than any other country has won at one Winter Games.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

Norway has achieved a historic milestone, surpassing its own previous record for the most gold medals won at a single Winter Olympics. This achievement was cemented with a victory in the biathlon, marking a significant moment in the nation's sporting history.

The current tally of 17 gold medals at the Milano Cortina Winter Games stands as a testament to Norway's consistent performance and dominance across various disciplines. The record was broken by Johannes Dale-Skjevdal in the 15-kilometer mass start biathlon race.

Historical Context of Norwegian Olympic Success

Norway has a storied history in the Winter Olympics, frequently topping medal tables. This latest achievement builds upon a legacy of strong performances.

  • Previous Record: Norway previously held the record for the most gold medals won at a single Winter Olympics, a benchmark they have now exceeded.

  • Milano Cortina Games: The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo have seen Norway's most successful outing to date in terms of gold medals.

The Record-Breaking Biathlon Event

The specific event that secured Norway's new record was the men's 15-kilometer mass start biathlon race.

  • Athlete: Johannes Dale-Skjevdal was the athlete who achieved this feat.

  • Performance: Dale-Skjevdal achieved perfection on the shooting range, hitting all 20 targets, before skiing to victory.

  • Silver Medalist: Sturla Holm Laegreid, another Norwegian competitor, secured the silver medal in the same event, missing only one target. He has now earned a total of five medals at these Games.

  • Bronze Medalist: Quentin Fillon Maillet of France, despite missing four targets, managed to secure the bronze medal.

Other Notable Norwegian Achievements

Beyond the record-breaking gold, other Norwegian athletes have also achieved significant success.

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  • Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo: This cross-country skier has been a standout performer, earning the most gold medals for Norway at the Milano Cortina Games and equaling the all-time Winter Olympics gold record.

  • He has won gold in the skiathlon, men's sprint, and the 10km cross-country skiing event.

  • Klaebo's Olympic medal tally now stands at 10.

International Competition Landscape

While Norway leads in gold medals, other nations have also made their mark.

  • France: Quentin Fillon Maillet has had a strong showing, contributing to his team's gold medals in the mixed relay and men's relay, and also winning gold in the sprint.

  • Germany: Philipp Horn was a contender in the biathlon mass start, finishing third after his final shooting bout.

  • United States: While the United States has had athletes on the podium in events like men's speed-skating and women's snowboarding, the overall medal count suggests Norway is currently ahead in gold medals.

  • Emerging Nations: The 2026 Games also saw historical firsts for countries like Brazil, which won its first Winter Olympic medal and gold, and Georgia, which secured its first Olympic medal. Spain captured its second Winter Olympics gold medal after a 54-year wait.

Olympic Event Overview

The Milano Cortina Winter Games feature a wide array of disciplines, including:

  • Biathlon: Events like the 15km mass start, where Norway's record was set.

  • Cross-Country Skiing: Where Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo has excelled.

  • Alpine Skiing: Including giant slalom and downhill events.

  • Figure Skating: Men's and women's single skating, and doubles.

  • Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding: Various events like big air, halfpipe, and slopestyle.

Expert Insights

The sustained success of nations like Norway in winter sports is often attributed to a combination of strong national sports programs, favorable climate conditions, and a deep-rooted sporting culture.

Conclusion and Implications

Norway's achievement of 17 gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics is a remarkable feat that redefines the upper limit of performance at a single Games. This success highlights Norway's continued prowess in winter sports and sets a new benchmark for future competitors. The broader context of the Games includes significant achievements from other nations and historical firsts, showcasing the evolving landscape of international winter sports.

The focus now shifts to the remaining events and the final medal standings, with Norway having already secured a place in Olympic history.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many gold medals did Norway win at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Norway won 17 gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, setting a new record for the most golds at a single Winter Games. This shows their strong performance across many sports.
Q: Which event gave Norway the record-breaking gold medal?
The record was broken in the men's 15-kilometer mass start biathlon race. Norwegian athlete Johannes Dale-Skjevdal won the gold medal in this event.
Q: Who is Johannes Dale-Skjevdal and why is he important?
Johannes Dale-Skjevdal is the Norwegian athlete who won the biathlon race that gave Norway its 17th gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. This win made history for his country.
Q: What does this record mean for Norway and other countries?
This record means Norway is the most successful nation ever in terms of gold medals at one Winter Olympics. Other countries will aim to match or beat this high standard in future Games.
Q: Did any other Norwegian athletes perform well at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Yes, cross-country skier Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo also had a very successful Games, winning multiple gold medals and equaling an all-time Winter Olympics gold medal record for an individual athlete.