TESERO, Italy — In a stunning display of athleticism, Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo captured his sixth Olympic gold medal by winning the men’s skiathlon at the Milan Cortina Games on Sunday. The 29-year-old Norwegian athlete delivered a breathtaking final sprint, distancing himself from his competitors in the last stretch of the race.
Klaebo’s decisive victory brings him closer to matching the Winter Olympics record of eight gold medals, held by Norwegian legends Marit Bjørgen, Bjoern Daehlie, and Ole Einar Bjørndalen. With five more opportunities to add to his medal tally in Italy, Klaebo’s performance has the whole nation buzzing with excitement.
Throughout the race, Klaebo maintained a position within the lead pack but found another gear as he entered the stadium for the final lap. He finished with a time of 46 minutes and 11 seconds, leaving Mathis Desloges of France and his fellow Norwegian Martin Loewstroem Nyenget trailing behind by 2.0 and 2.1 seconds, respectively. Desloges narrowly avoided disqualification for a potential rule violation earlier in the event, but judges ultimately cleared him after reviewing the incident.
Klaebo’s moment of victory was especially poignant, as he celebrated with the enthusiastic crowd and supporters from Norway. “There were a lot of nerves before this race, and I really felt like I wanted to do well here,” he expressed after the race. “My body feels good, we had good skis, and it was an amazing day.”
This gold medal holds particular significance as it marks Klaebo’s first in a distance race, having previously won all five of his Olympic golds in sprint or relay events. This year’s skiathlon, which combines classic and freestyle techniques over a distance of 20 kilometers, is a first for the Olympics, allowing both men and women to compete at equal distances. Sweden’s Frida Karlsson claimed victory in the women’s skiathlon the day before.
Meanwhile, Nyenget managed to secure a podium finish despite experiencing a collision with Savelli Korostelev of Russia, who ultimately finished fourth. Korostelev, competing as an independent athlete due to a team ban on Russia, expressed his apologies for the incident, stating, “I didn’t see him. I was a little surprised about it. I’m so sorry.”
Nyenget reflected on the challenges of recovering from the mishap, yet he felt strong throughout the competition. “It’s tough to latch back onto a group of the world’s best skiers. On the plus side, I felt really strong today,” he noted, happy to have earned a medal.
Hugo Lapalus from France finished fifth, just 4.3 seconds behind Klaebo, while several contenders, including Edvin Anger from Sweden and Norway’s Harald Oestberg Amundsen, faced difficulties on the icy course.
Klaebo’s remarkable triumph not only adds to his legacy but also inspires young athletes and fans alike, keeping the spirit of winter sports alive as the Games continue.