TESERO, Italy — Johannes Høsflot Klæbo made history on Sunday by breaking the all-time Winter Olympics gold medal record, claiming his ninth career gold as Norway secured victory in the men’s cross-country skiing team relay. Klæbo, along with teammates Emil Iversen, Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget, and Einar Hedegart, showcased a dominant performance, leading Norway to a triumphant finish in the race.
France, with two-time silver medalist Mathis Desloges at the helm, finished in second place, while Italy clinched third, marking their first cross-country skiing medal on home soil. The final leg of the race saw veteran Federico Pellegrino narrowly defeat Finland for the bronze, thrilling the local crowd.
“It was a fantastic race, great to be able to give this gold medal to Norway,” Klæbo expressed in Norwegian following the win. He credited his teammates for their contributions, stating, “It’s a team result, and I want to share the victory with all of them.”
The Norwegian team’s recent successes also include winning the women’s team relay on Saturday, in an unexpected victory over Sweden. Klæbo’s achievement further cements his status as the most decorated men’s cross-country skier in history, having already claimed all four available golds in the current Games. With his nine Olympic golds, he surpasses the legends Ole Einar Bjørndalen, Bjørn Dæhlie, and Marit Bjørgen for the most all-time.
Nyenget and Hedegart added to their medal count with this event, as both had previously secured bronze medals in the skiathlon and 10-kilometer races, respectively. Klæbo received a 12.2-second lead from his teammates heading into the final leg, a margin he extended to an impressive 22.2 seconds ahead of France by the time he crossed the finish line, celebrating with a Norwegian flag alongside his teammates.
Victor Lovera of France crossed the line next, proudly waving a French flag, contributing to France’s collection of three silver medals in cross-country skiing at these Games. The most thrilling portion of the relay came from the battle for bronze, featuring Pellegrino and Finland’s Niko Anttola in a tight race. Supported by enthusiastic local volunteers, Pellegrino made a decisive move to secure the bronze medal, marking his third Olympic medal and first on home ground.
Reflecting on his achievement, Pellegrino stated, “It’s maybe the thing that I’m most proud of in my career,” recognizing the significance of this race on home turf and the dedication he and his teammates have shown.
As the Games continue, the next event on the horizon is the team sprint on Wednesday, followed by the much-anticipated 50-kilometer race on Saturday. Klæbo is set to enter both as a favorite, with the possibility of becoming the first man to sweep all six cross-country skiing events in Olympic history firmly within reach. This exciting prospect leaves fans hopeful for more unforgettable performances from the Norwegian star.