LAGO DI TESERO, ITALY — A new legend has emerged in the Winter Olympics. Norwegian skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo has set a record, winning his sixth consecutive gold medal in the thrilling 50-kilometer race.
Before this event, Klæbo had already made waves, earning five medals and tying with American speedskater Eric Heiden for the most golds in a single Games. Now, with 11 golds overall, he is one win away from matching Michael Phelps, who leads with 23 Olympic golds.
In the race, Klæbo showcased his renowned finishing speed, overtaking teammate Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget during a steep climb. This victory adds to Klæbo’s streak of 12 gold medals dating back to last year’s World Championships in Trondheim, where he also excelled in every event.
Reflecting on his success, Klæbo mentioned the emotional weight of his achievement, stating, “There are so many choices you make every day to be at your best. Today, to crown this Olympics with the 50K and doing it my way, it’s special.”
Experts and fellow athletes are still trying to comprehend Klæbo’s dominance in both sprint and long-distance events. American skier Gus Schumacher remarked, “I don’t think there’s another athlete in the world that can compare to that scope of athleticism. It’s really insane.” Coaches and competitors unanimously agree: Klæbo is the greatest cross-country skier ever.
Anders Byström, a coach from Sweden, emphasized this point, saying, “We have never seen a better athlete on skis.” Klæbo’s former struggles in endurance events have turned into remarkable strength. He noted that his victory in the 10-kilometer race—a format he hadn’t mastered before—was part of a detailed training strategy developed with his grandfather, focusing on improving his stamina through high-altitude training.
Klæbo’s journey started as a sprinter, but he has evolved into a well-rounded competitor. Coaches like Jostein Vinjerui from Team UK praise his technique and strategy. “He has skills that no one has,” he said, highlighting Klæbo’s meticulous attention to detail in every race.
Even after a demanding race, Klæbo still pushed through to finish strong, proving that his mental and physical resilience sets him apart. After completing the race, he admitted to feeling exhausted but ready to celebrate alongside his peers.
The excitement around Klæbo also inspires his competitors. Emil Iverson, who claimed bronze in the same race, shadowed Klæbo over the past year to elevate his own skills. “It’s just fun to compete with the best skier ever,” Iverson remarked.
While Klæbo’s dominance can be intimidating for others, it also raises the level of competition within the sport. Upcoming athletes are keen to follow in his footsteps, showcasing the impact Klæbo has on cross-country skiing.
Despite this, some athletes, like biathlete Océane Michelon, expressed a desire to see Klæbo venture into different areas of competition. “It would be really interesting to see,” she noted, suggesting a cross-sport challenge for the skiing superstar.
As Klæbo continues to redefine excellence in cross-country skiing, the sports world watches eagerly, wondering what he’ll accomplish next.
