MILAN, 21 February 2026 – Norwegian cross-country skiing sensation Johannes Høsflot Klæbo has officially cemented his status as the greatest Winter Olympian of all time. In a historic performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, Klæbo secured his sixth gold medal of a single Winter Olympics today, winning the grueling 50km mass start. This victory brings his career Olympic gold medal tally to 11, surpassing all previous records for a male Winter athlete.
A Record-Breaking Campaign in Milano Cortina
Klæbo’s dominance throughout the 2026 Games has been unprecedented. Entering the competition with five career Olympic golds from previous appearances, the “Speed King” has swept every event he entered in Italy. His golden run began with the skiathlon and continued through the individual sprint, the 10km interval start, the 4×7.5km relay, and the team sprint.
With his 10th career gold earlier this week in the team sprint, Klæbo broke the long-standing Winter Olympic record. Today’s 50km mass start victory—his sixth gold of these Games—sets a new benchmark for the most gold medals won by any athlete in a single Winter Olympics. He now trails only American swimmer Michael Phelps for the most career Olympic gold medals in sports history.
Career Statistics and Achievements
Beyond his Olympic success, Klæbo remains the most successful male overall race winner in FIS World Cup history. Guided by his 82-year-old grandfather and coach, Kåre Høsflot, Klæbo has redefined the technical standards of the sport, particularly in sprint finishes.
| Category | Achievement / Statistic |
|---|---|
| Olympic Gold Medals | 11 (Record for Winter Olympics) |
| World Championship Golds | 15 |
| World Cup Individual Wins | 107 |
| World Cup Overall Titles | 5 |
| World Cup Podiums | 136 |
The “Grandfather Effect”
The secret behind Klæbo’s longevity and tactical brilliance is often attributed to his close relationship with his grandfather, Kåre Høsflot. Despite the emergence of younger competitors, Klæbo’s ability to peak during major championships has remained unmatched. His performance in Milano Cortina 2026, where he won across both short-distance sprints and long-distance endurance events like the 50km, proves his versatility as the most complete skier in history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gold medals did Klæbo win at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo won six gold medals at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, winning every event he competed in, including the 50km mass start, team sprint, and individual sprint.
Who holds the record for the most Winter Olympic gold medals?
As of 21 February 2026, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo holds the record with 11 career gold medals, having surpassed the previous records held by Norwegian legends Bjørn Dæhlie and Marit Bjørgen.
Is Klæbo still competing in the World Cup?
Yes, Klæbo is currently active in his 11th World Cup season. He leads the all-time list for individual race wins with 107 victories and continues to be a dominant force in the overall standings.
Who is Klæbo’s coach?
Klæbo is famously coached by his grandfather, Kåre Høsflot. The pair have worked together since Johannes was a child, developing the unique “Klæbo-step” technique used in uphill sprinting.