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. Following a dominant performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, Klæbo has surpassed the long-standing records of his predecessors to become the most decorated gold medallist in Winter Olympic history.
Latest Updates: A Historic Campaign in Italy
As of today, 21 February 2026, Klæbo has completed a near-perfect Olympic run. Just three days ago, on 18 February, he secured his fifth gold medal of these Games, bringing his career total to an unprecedented 10 Olympic gold medals. This feat broke the previous record of eight golds held by Norwegian legends Bjørn Dæhlie, Ole Einar Bjørndalen, and Marit Bjørgen.
His 2026 campaign has been nothing short of “invincible,” according to international commentators. Klæbo opened the Games with a victory in the men’s skiathlon on 8 February and followed it with a gold in the individual sprint on 10 February. He continued his streak with a 10km freestyle win and a commanding performance in the relay, before clinching his 10th career gold in the Team Sprint Free alongside partner Einar Hedegart.
Athlete Profile and Career Statistics
Born in 1996, Klæbo rose to international prominence at the PyeongChang 2018 Games, where he became the youngest male skier ever to win an Olympic gold medal at age 21. Under the lifelong coaching of his grandfather, Kåre Høsflot, he has revolutionised the sport with his unique “Klæbo sprint” technique.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Johannes Høsflot Klæbo |
| Birthdate | 22 October 1996 |
| Age | 29 |
| Nationality | Norwegian |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 10 (as of Feb 2026) |
| World Championship Golds | 15 |
| World Cup Overall Titles | 5 |
| Club | Byaasen IL |
The “Grandfather Effect”
Much of Klæbo’s success is attributed to his 82-year-old coach and grandfather, Kåre Høsflot. The duo has worked together since Johannes was a child, developing a training regimen known for its high intensity and technical precision. This partnership has seen Klæbo evolve from a sprint specialist into a versatile distance threat, capable of winning across all cross-country disciplines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gold medals did Klæbo win at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo won five gold medals during the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, including victories in the skiathlon, individual sprint, 10km freestyle, relay, and team sprint.
Who held the Winter Olympic gold medal record before Klæbo?
The record of eight gold medals was previously shared by three other Norwegians: cross-country skier Bjørn Dæhlie, biathlete Ole Einar Bjørndalen, and cross-country skier Marit Bjørgen. Klæbo surpassed them by reaching 10 career golds on 18 February 2026.
Is Klæbo still active in the World Cup?
Yes, Klæbo remains the reigning cross-country World Cup champion and continues to compete at the highest level for the Norwegian national team.