MILAN, Italy – Ben Ogden etched his name into U.S. Cross-country skiing history at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, securing a silver medal in the men’s sprint classic. The victory marks the first Olympic medal for an American man in the discipline in 50 years, ending a drought dating back to Bill Koch’s silver in the 30km classic at the 1976 Innsbruck Games.
Ogden, a Vermont native, demonstrated remarkable form throughout the competition, setting the second-fastest time in qualifications. He continued his strong performance in the quarterfinals, strategically utilizing inclines to surge ahead of his competitors. While Norwegian Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo ultimately claimed gold with a time of , Ogden’s time of secured a well-deserved silver.
The race to the podium wasn’t without its challenges. In the semifinals, Ogden found himself trailing Klaebo before a powerful sprint attempt. He and Finland’s Lauri Vuorinen battled fiercely for second place, with a photo finish ultimately awarding the win to Vuorinen. Ogden advanced to the finals as the fastest “lucky loser,” showcasing his resilience and speed.
“It’s an unbelievable dream come true,” Ogden said. “Everybody who races dreams of being on an Olympic podium. It’s the ultimate goal, and I feel like this last year I’ve dared to set my expectations on an Olympic podium.”
The American team enjoyed a strong showing with three men qualifying for the sprint classic. JC Schoonmaker also reached the finals, demonstrating the growing strength of the U.S. Cross-country skiing program. Schoonmaker employed a late surge strategy in the semifinals, utilizing the draft after the climb, but ultimately fell short of a medal.
Ogden’s journey to the Olympic podium is particularly noteworthy given his diverse interests. Described as a “knitter, engineer, and backflipper,” he embodies a unique blend of athleticism and intellectual curiosity. His knitting hobby even garnered attention, with a report in The Guardian noting his needles were “waiting” for him upon his return.
The silver medal is a testament to Ogden’s dedication and the support he’s received throughout his career. He grew up skiing in the Bill Koch Youth Ski League and has even had the opportunity to ski with Koch himself, a connection that adds a layer of significance to his achievement. “He’s got that farmer’s strength,” one observer noted, highlighting Ogden’s powerful build and endurance.
While Ogden’s silver was a highlight for the U.S. Team, the women’s sprint classic saw a dominant performance from Team Sweden. Linn Svahn secured gold with a time of , followed by Jonna Sundling in silver and Maja Dahlqvist in bronze, completing a sweep of the podium.
“Today, we had an amazing team. The waxers did such an amazing job and my teammates,” Svahn said.
Ogden’s medal not only breaks a 50-year drought for the U.S. Men’s cross-country skiing team but also signals a potential turning point for the program. His success, coupled with the strong performance of his teammates, suggests a bright future for American cross-country skiing on the international stage. Vermont, in particular, is experiencing a surge in Olympic success, with Ogden’s medal adding to the state’s growing tally.
The victory is particularly poignant given the historical context. Koch’s 1976 silver was a landmark achievement for American cross-country skiing, and Ogden’s medal carries the weight of that legacy. He has not only matched Koch’s result but has also inspired a new generation of American skiers to dream of Olympic glory.
