MILAN CORTINA, Italy – The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are already shaping up to be a historic event, particularly in the realm of cross-country skiing. The Games, running from February 6-22, 2026, have witnessed a dominant performance by Norway’s Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, who has secured a record-breaking six gold medals, mirroring Michael Phelps’ achievement at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Klaebo’s victories spanned all six men’s cross-country events: the skiathlon, the men’s 4×7.5km relay, the men’s 10km free, the men’s sprint classic, the men’s team sprint free and the 50km race. His success wasn’t merely about winning; it was the manner in which he won, consistently exceeding expectations with both his skiing technique and strategic approach. From impressive uphill sprints to adapting to historically challenging races, Klaebo demonstrated a level of athleticism and tactical acumen that cemented his status as the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.) in cross-country skiing.
While Klaebo’s dominance has been the headline story, the Milan Cortina Games have also seen significant breakthroughs for other nations. Team USA’s men ended a 50-year medal drought with two silver medal wins, a remarkable achievement that signals a resurgence in American cross-country skiing. On the women’s side, Jessie Diggins, America’s most decorated female cross-country skier, earned a bronze medal in what was her final Olympic appearance before retirement.
The medal table reflects Norway’s overwhelming success, with a total of 14 medals – 7 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze. Sweden follows with 10 medals (5 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze), while France secured 3 bronze medals. The United States has earned 3 medals – 2 silver and 1 bronze – and Switzerland and Italy each have 2 medals, with Switzerland claiming 1 silver and 1 bronze, and Italy earning 2 bronze. Finland and Germany each secured a single bronze medal.
Specific race results highlight Klaebo’s incredible run. He took gold in the Men’s Skiathlon, with Mathis Desloges of France earning silver and Martin Loewstroem Nyenget of Norway taking bronze. In the Men’s 10km Free, Klaebo again topped the podium, followed by Desloges and Einar Hedegart of Norway. The victories continued to mount for the Norwegian star.
The 2026 Olympics also saw some unexpected developments. Jonna Sundling of Sweden, a prominent cross-country skier, declared her forfeit, adding an element of surprise to the competition. Elsewhere, Cloé Pagnier achieved a remarkable top-15 finish in the women’s race, marking a personal best and a strong conclusion to her Olympic journey. Nadja Kälin of Switzerland made history as the first Swiss athlete to win an individual Olympic medal in cross-country skiing.
The competition events at the Milan Cortina Games included 12 cross-country skiing events, with a historic change: men and women competed over the same distances for the first time. The events included Women’s and Men’s 10km Interval Start Free, Women’s and Men’s 10km + 10km Skiathlon, Women’s and Men’s 4 x 7.5km Relay, Women’s and Men’s 50km Mass Start Classic, Women’s and Men’s Sprint Classic, and Women’s and Men’s Team Sprint Free. All competitions were held at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in the Val di Fiemme region.
The Games have also marked the end of an era for some athletes. Jessie Diggins’ final Olympic run, culminating in a bronze medal, represents the conclusion of a trailblazing career that redefined U.S. Cross-country skiing. Her impact extends beyond medals, inspiring a new generation of American skiers.
Looking ahead, the U.S. Olympic Cross Country Ski Team for 2026 includes seasoned veterans like Rosie Brennan and Jessie Diggins, alongside emerging talents such as Lauren Jortberg, Julia Kern, Zak Ketterson, Kendall Kramer, Novie McCabe, and Zanden McMullen. Brennan, Diggins, Kern, and McCabe all competed in the 2022 Olympics, bringing valuable experience to the team. The roster demonstrates a blend of experience and youth, positioning the U.S. Team for continued success in the years to come.
The Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have already delivered unforgettable moments in cross-country skiing, with Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo’s historic performance taking center stage. The Games have also showcased the growing strength of the U.S. Team and the inspiring careers of athletes like Jessie Diggins, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport.
