Norwegian cross-country skiing sensation Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, fondly referred to as “King Klæbo,” continues to shine on the Olympic stage. At the Milano-Cortina Olympics, the 29-year-old added to his impressive medal collection by securing his fifth gold medal in the men’s team sprint, which ties him with U.S. speed skater Eric Heiden’s record from the 1980 Lake Placid Games.
This latest victory marks Klæbo’s 10th Olympic gold overall, positioning him among the elite athletes of all time, with only Michael Phelps, the American swimmer with 23 golds, ahead of him. Remarkably, these Olympics are only Klæbo’s third, and his contributions have significantly bolstered Norway’s standing as a leader in the medal tally.
In addition to his Olympic success, Klæbo holds the top spot in the World Cup standings. His recent performances have showcased his dominance, often leading with ample margin while greeting fans as he crosses the finish line. Canadian skier Remi Drolet highlighted Klæbo’s remarkable prowess, stating, “I think he’ll go down as the greatest of all time… to be racing the same era as him is crazy.”
Klæbo’s rapid ascent to fame in the sport can be attributed to a unique combination of technique and an unwavering focus. His viral video from the Games captured his breathtaking speed during the men’s classic sprint final, showcasing his ability to maintain an average speed of 17 km/h while ascending a challenging gradient.
That distinctive style, referred to by some as the “Klæbo run,” is marked by aggressive knee positioning and minimal gliding, allowing him to execute a powerful sprint even towards the end of a grueling race, outpacing his competitors.
Interestingly, Klæbo did not start as a standout skier. His former coach, Rune Sandøy, shared with The New York Times that Klæbo was once an average performer during his early training years in Trondheim, Norway. However, his rigorous dedication propelled him to the forefront of cross-country skiing by the time he was 17.
Reflecting on his journey, Klæbo once wrote about surprising himself by finishing second in a national sprint qualification, rising from obscurity to being a name on the scoreboard that every competitor recognized.
His success is also deeply rooted in the support from his grandfather, who at 83 has been his coach since he was 15. After winning gold in the 4 x 7.5-kilometre relay, Klæbo expressed the profound significance of having his grandfather present, recognizing their shared efforts throughout the years.
As the Milano-Cortina Olympics progress, Klæbo looks forward to competing in the men’s 50-kilometre mass start classic, where he aims to further cement his legacy in the sport. His journey continues to inspire many, showcasing the power of hard work, determination, and the bonds of family support.