Johannes Høsflot Klæbo Secures Gold in Milano-Cortina 2026 Skiathlon
London, 8 February 2026 – Norwegian cross-country skiing sensation Johannes Høsflot Klæbo has commenced his pursuit of Olympic history by claiming gold in the men’s 20km skiathlon (10km classic + 10km freestyle) at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Klæbo delivered a dominant performance at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, finishing with a time of 46:11.0 to secure his sixth career Olympic gold medal.
Dominance in Val di Fiemme
The 29-year-old “Speed King” broke away during the final ascent, finishing 2.0 seconds ahead of France’s Mathis Desloges, who took the silver. Fellow Norwegian Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget completed the podium. This victory marks the first step in Klæbo’s ambitious campaign to win six gold medals at these Games, a feat he previously achieved at the 2025 World Championships in Trondheim.
Despite minor logistical distractions involving internet connectivity at the Olympic village—which the athlete jokingly noted affected his pre-race gaming routine—Klæbo’s form remains peerless. He continues to be coached by his grandfather, Kåre Høsflot, whose training methods have been credited for Klæbo’s rise from an “average” junior to the most decorated male sprinter in the history of the sport.
Athlete Profile: Johannes Høsflot Klæbo
The following table outlines the career milestones and personal details of the Norwegian superstar as of the current Olympic cycle.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Johannes Høsflot Klæbo |
| Birthdate | 22 October 1996 |
| Nationality | Norwegian |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 6 (as of 8 February 2026) |
| World Championship Golds | 15 |
| Club | Byaasen IL |
| Coach | Kåre Høsflot (Grandfather) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gold medals is Klæbo targeting at Milano-Cortina 2026?
Klæbo is aiming to compete in six events during these Olympic Games. Having won the 20km skiathlon today, he has five events remaining in his quest to match or surpass the record of eight career Olympic golds held by Bjørn Dæhlie.
What is the “Grandfather Effect”?
This refers to the unique coaching relationship between Johannes and his grandfather, Kåre Høsflot. Kåre has been the primary architect of Johannes’s training regime since his youth, focusing on technical innovation and tactical sprinting prowess.
What was Klæbo’s result in the 2025 World Championships?
At the 2025 FIS Nordic Ski World Championships held in Trondheim, Klæbo made history by winning gold medals in all six events he entered, a “clean sweep” that established him as the most decorated male cross-country skier in World Championship history.