TESERO, Italy — In Tesero, Italy, Friday the 13th proved to be a fortunate day for Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo. The acclaimed Norwegian cross-country skier secured his eighth gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics, matching the existing Winter Games record.
The 29-year-old Klaebo triumphed in the men’s 10-kilometer interval-start event, marking his third gold medal of the 2026 Games.
With three more races to compete in, Klaebo now shares this historic record with three retired Norwegian sporting legends: cross-country skiers Marit Bjoergen and Bjoern Daehlie, and biathlete Ole Einar Bjoerndalen.
Once more, Klaebo surged ahead on the concluding incline, finishing with a time of 20 minutes and 36.2 seconds. He displayed unusual signs of exhaustion, collapsing at the finish line after what was widely regarded as his most demanding race.
He finished 4.9 seconds faster than Mathis Desloges of France and 14 seconds clear of his primary rival, fellow Norwegian Einar Hedegart, who faltered on the final ascent.
“It’s a truly special day,” Klaebo remarked. “This achievement undoubtedly means a great deal to me… I’m simply speechless.”
The Norwegian athlete expressed satisfaction with his strategy, having maintained a measured pace during the initial half of the course to conserve energy for a powerful surge up the concluding hill and through the final stretch.
“Conditions were extremely tough out there today, so I feel immensely proud,” he added.
Meanwhile, at the French camp, athletes and officials erupted in joyous celebration, as if claiming victory themselves. They linked arms and danced on the snow, commemorating underdog Desloges’ second silver medal at his debut Olympic Games.
“I dedicated myself to incredibly intense training for these competitions,” Desloges stated. “I had always expressed confidence in reaching this level, and now we are proving it.”
The 23-year-old Frenchman, much like several other elite competitors in interval-start events, largely remained unaware of his standing throughout the race.
“I don’t really heed what’s being yelled from the sidelines,” he explained. “Truthfully, I tune them out. My sole focus is on my own race. I understand my objectives and I give absolutely everything I have.”
Under clear blue skies in northern Italy, with the racecourse nestled amidst the snow-capped Dolomite mountains, temperatures hovered around a mild 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Consequently, some participants opted to compete wearing only their race bibs.
Organizers had applied salt to the course on Thursday to firm up the surface, but it remained untreated on Friday – a choice that benefited Klaebo, given his early start position among the seeded skiers.
Norwegian supporters spearheaded the festivities, with national flags – distinctive red banners featuring a blue cross outlined in white – draped over both athletes and spectator railings. Klaebo’s grandfather, Kare Hoesflot, credited with nurturing his early career, journeyed to northern Italy to witness the event, as numerous congratulatory messages streamed in from his homeland, where cross-country skiing enjoys immense popularity.
“Yet another display of immense power from Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo. What an extraordinary performance in a truly thrilling race! My congratulations on securing your third gold medal at these Olympics!” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere posted on social media.