Johannes Høsflot Klæbo Achieves Historic Six Gold Medals at Milan Cortina 2026

Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo has made history at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, becoming the first athlete to win six gold medals at a single Winter Games. This achievement surpasses the previous record of five gold medals held by American speedskater Eric Heiden .

Klæbo’s Historic Performance

Klæbo secured his sixth gold medal in the men’s 50-kilometer mass start event on February 21, 2026, at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in Lago di Tesero, Italy . He defeated his teammate, Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget, with a signature finishing sprint on a steep climb . Klæbo demonstrated his dominance by even waving to the crowd on the homestretch, showcasing his confidence, and lead.

Record-Breaking Achievements

With this victory, Klæbo now holds a total of 11 Olympic gold medals, trailing only American swimmer Michael Phelps, who has 23 . His success extends beyond the current Olympics, as he has secured 12 consecutive gold medals, including a sweep of all events at the 2025 World Championships in Trondheim, Norway .

Reflections on Success

Klæbo expressed that the significance of his accomplishment fully resonated with him after crossing the finish line . He emphasized the daily choices and dedication required to perform at his peak. After the race, he took a moment to reflect, sitting and staring at the snow before celebrating with teammates and fellow competitors .

Norway’s Continued Success

Klæbo’s performance contributes to Norway’s continued success at the Winter Olympics, topping the medal table for the fourth consecutive Games .