Klaebo’s Historic Performance Highlights Closing Days of Milan Cortina Winter Olympics
Milan, Italy – The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are drawing to a close, with Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo dominating the cross-country skiing events and several other compelling storylines unfolding on the final days of competition. As the Games wind down, American speedskater Jordan Stolz narrowly missed a historic achievement, although Canada and the United States battled for hockey supremacy.
Klæbo Secures Record-Breaking Sixth Gold Medal
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo etched his name in Olympic history on Thursday, February 21st, by winning the gold medal in the men’s 50-kilometer mass start cross-country race. This victory marked his sixth gold medal of the Milan Cortina Games, surpassing the previous record of five held by American Eric Heiden since the 1980 Winter Olympics. Klæbo’s performance also contributed to Norway’s impressive medal count, bringing their total to 18 gold medals – the most by any country at a single Winter Olympics.
Stolz Finishes Fourth in Speed Skating Mass Start
American speedskater Jordan Stolz came close to making history but ultimately finished fourth in the men’s mass start final. A gold medal would have made him the first American long-track speedskater in over 30 years to win three golds in a single Games. Despite the near miss, Stolz leaves the Olympics with a total of three medals: two gold and one silver. The race was won by Jorrit Bergsma of the Netherlands, with Viktor Hald Thorup of Denmark placing second.
Team USA Claims Silver in Cross-Country Team Sprint
The U.S. Men’s cross-country team, comprised of Gus Schumacher and Ben Ogden, secured a silver medal in the team sprint event on Wednesday, February 19th. This marked the first medal for the U.S. In this event in 50 years. Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and Einar Hedegart took the gold, while Italy’s Elia Barp and Federico Pellegrino earned the bronze. The American duo finished just 1.4 seconds behind the Norwegians.
Canada and U.S. Clash in Men’s Hockey Gold Medal Game
The rivalry between the United States and Canada will reach its peak on Sunday, February 22nd, as the two teams compete for the gold medal in men’s hockey. Canada holds the upper hand, having won the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February 2025, 3-2 in overtime. The U.S. Is seeking its first Olympic gold in men’s hockey since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980. The U.S. Women’s team recently won gold in their hockey final against Canada.
Curling Results and Closing Ceremony
Canada defeated Great Britain to win the men’s curling gold medal, while also securing the bronze in women’s curling against the United States. Finland won the bronze medal game in men’s hockey, defeating Slovakia 6-1. The Milan Cortina Games will conclude with the closing ceremony in Verona on Sunday, February 22nd.
Schedule for Sunday, February 22nd (Eastern Time)
- 4 a.m.: Bobsled, four-man, heat 3
- 4 a.m.: Cross-country skiing, women’s 50km mass start classic
- 4:40 a.m.: Freestyle skiing, women’s freeski halfpipe final
- 5:05 a.m.: Curling, women’s gold-medal game, Sweden vs. Switzerland
- 6:15 a.m.: Bobsled, four-man, heat 4
- 8:10 a.m.: Men’s hockey, gold medal, USA vs. Canada
- 2:30 p.m.: Closing ceremony
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