2026 Winter Olympics: Johannes Hosflot Klaybo wins ninth gold medal in cross-country skiing

Johannes Høsflot Klaebo, Norway’s king of cross-country skiing, became the most successful athlete at the Winter Olympics with a record ninth gold medal.

Klaebo led his country to the top of the podium in the men’s 4 x 7.5 km relay – alongside teammates Emil Iversen, Martin Luström Ningate and Einar Hedegart – to claim his fourth Milan-Cortina Games title.

At 29, he is adding to the three gold medals he won in Pyeongchang in 2018 and two in Beijing four years later, while he is also a 15-time world champion.

And his medal tally could grow even further, with two more chances for gold in the men’s team sprint on Wednesday and the 50km classic on Saturday.

In Sunday’s relay, the Norwegian quartet won by a margin of 22.2 seconds, while host France and Italy won silver and bronze, respectively.

Claybaugh said it was perfect to share the moment he broke the record in the team event.

“To be able to do that and finish ninth in the team is special and there couldn’t be a better way to do it,” he said afterwards.

He said that relaxing and having fun is the key to his success, especially in these games.

“I got into shape too,” he said.

“Preparing myself for these Olympics has been a little easier than the last Olympics and last year’s World Championships.

“Enjoying the road is also important and I think it shows in the results.”