Ben Ogden has made history by winning the silver medal in the men’s sprint at the Olympic cross-country skiing event in Tesero, Italy. This achievement marks the United States’ first medal in men’s cross-country skiing in 50 years, with the last medal being won by Bill Koch at the 1976 Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, where he also secured a silver in the 30-kilometer race.
Ogden’s performance was outstanding, as he finished second in qualification, trailing only Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who went on to secure another gold medal, making it his second at these games. Norwegian skier Oskar Opstad Vike rounded out the podium with a bronze medal.
At 25 years old, Ogden showcased his skills throughout the competition, displaying strength and determination particularly during the quarterfinals where he made a definitive move on the final climb. Despite being edged out in the semifinal, he advanced to the final as a lucky loser and ultimately finished less than a second behind Klæbo.
Ogden has been a prominent figure in the U.S. men’s cross-country skiing scene, being the fastest skier under 23 during the 2022-23 season and making significant strides in recent competitions. He claimed his first World Cup podium in December 2023 and achieved additional podium finishes in France and Switzerland leading up to his Olympic medal.
The U.S. men’s cross-country skiing team, which includes Ogden and fellow athlete Gus Schumacher, has been gaining momentum in recent years. In a past interview, Ogden expressed the team’s ambition to transform from being viewed as underdogs to becoming true contenders in international competitions. “We want to be someone that people are looking out for,” he stated, highlighting their dedication and progress in the sport.
This remarkable achievement for Ogden not only breaks a long-standing dry spell for the U.S. at the Olympics but also signifies a bright future for American cross-country skiing as they continue to earn recognition on the world stage.