Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo achieved an unprecedented milestone at the Winter Olympics, winning six gold medals in cross-country skiing events. His remarkable feat took place during the 50-kilometre mass start race, solidifying his status as a record-holder for the most golds won by a single athlete in a single Winter Olympics.
Historic Achievement in Cross-Country Skiing
Klæbo’s victory on Saturday broke the long-standing record set by American speed skater Eric Heiden, who won five golds at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. While Heiden’s victories were all in individual events, Klæbo’s tally includes two golds in team events. This distinction means that Heiden still holds the record for the most individual gold medals.
Norwegian Triumph in the 50-Kilometre Race
In the 50-kilometre race, Klæbo was joined by teammates Martin Loewstroem Nyenget and Emil Iversen, who secured silver and bronze medals, respectively. This achievement marked a complete podium sweep for Norway, underscoring the nation’s dominance in the sport.
- Gold: Johannes Høsflot Klæbo (Norway)
- Silver: Martin Loewstroem Nyenget (Norway)
- Bronze: Emil Iversen (Norway)
Record-Breaking Career
With this win, Klæbo extended his career gold medal count at the Winter Olympics to 11, surpassing the previous record of eight, which he set on February 15. Currently, Klæbo ranks second in the overall count of Olympic gold medals, trailing only U.S. swimming legend Michael Phelps, who holds 23 golds.
Norway’s Overall Success
This historic victory contributed to Norway’s impressive total of 18 gold medals in the games, which further cements their lead in the overall medal count with 40 medals. This achievement was boosted just a day prior when biathlete Johannes Dale-Skjevdal claimed a gold in the 15km mass start race, setting a record for the most gold medals won by a single nation at a Winter Olympics.
As Klæbo celebrated, he pointed his fingers skyward after crossing the finish line, and then, in a moment of triumph, he fell onto his right hip and rolled onto his back, reveling in his significant accomplishment.
