Vermont cross-country skier Ben Ogden made history today at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in Val di Fiemme, Italy, by winning a silver medal in the men’s sprint event, marking the first Olympic medal for a U.S. male cross-country skier in 50 years. Ogden, 25, competed fiercely, finishing second behind Norway’s Johannes Klaebo, the most decorated cross-country skier in history. Norway’s Oskar Vike secured the bronze medal.
The race format involved qualifying heats followed by quarter-finals and semi-finals, ultimately leading to a final showdown of six skiers. Ogden qualified impressively in second place and demonstrated remarkable skill and endurance throughout the heats, finishing significantly ahead of Vike but trailing Klaebo.
Ogden’s achievement is particularly poignant as it breaks a long-standing drought for U.S. men’s cross-country skiing medals, with the last winner being Bill Koch, who earned silver at the 1976 Winter Games in Innsbruck, Austria. The U.S. Ski Team celebrated this landmark victory on social media, highlighting Ogden’s historic placement at the global level.
This is Ogden’s third participation in the Olympic Games, showcasing his consistent performance on the international stage. While Ogden excelled, top U.S. female cross-country skier Jessie Diggins did not advance in her classic sprint race. However, Julia Kern managed to reach the finals, finishing in sixth place.
Ogden’s silver medal is not only a personal achievement but a significant milestone for American cross-country skiing, inspiring future generations of skiers. The positive momentum from this victory could herald a resurgence in American participation and competitiveness in the sport.