Klæbo Claims Sixth Olympic Gold With Commanding Skiathlon Victory at Milano Cortina

Norwegian cross-country skiing legend Johannes Høsflot Klæbo cemented his status as one of the Winter Olympics' all-time greats on Sunday, capturing his sixth Olympic gold medal with a commanding victory in the men's 20km skiathlon at Milano Cortina 2026. The 29-year-old crossed the finish line in Tesero, Italy in a winning time of 46 minutes and 11 seconds, holding off France's Mathis Desloges by just two seconds in a thrilling sprint finish.

Klæbo's latest triumph demonstrates his continued dominance in Nordic skiing, coming exactly one year after he achieved the unprecedented feat of winning all six available gold medals at the 2025 World Championships. The skiathlon, which combines 10 kilometers of classical technique followed by 10 kilometers of freestyle, played perfectly to Klæbo's strengths as one of the sport's most versatile and tactical racers.

Desloges, the 27-year-old Frenchman competing in front of a supportive European crowd, delivered a career-best performance to claim the silver medal. His spirited challenge pushed Klæbo throughout the final kilometers, but the Norwegian's superior finishing speed proved decisive in the closing meters. Norway's Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget completed the podium, claiming bronze just 2.1 seconds behind Klæbo in a tight three-way battle for medals.

The race unfolded on the demanding courses at Val di Fiemme, where Klæbo has enjoyed considerable success throughout his career. After a measured start in the classical portion, Klæbo made his move during the transition to freestyle skiing, gradually building a small but significant advantage over his rivals. The Norwegian's technique and endurance were on full display as he maintained his pace through the challenging final loop.

Klæbo's sixth Olympic gold moves him into increasingly rarefied air among Winter Olympic athletes. The victory adds to his already impressive medal haul from PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022, where he established himself as the dominant force in men's cross-country skiing. With multiple events still to come at Milano Cortina, including individual sprint and relay competitions, Klæbo has opportunities to further extend his remarkable Olympic legacy.

For Norway, Klæbo's gold medal and Nyenget's bronze contributed to their strong position in the overall medal standings, as the Scandinavian nation continues its traditional dominance in Nordic skiing disciplines. The double podium finish reinforces Norway's depth in cross-country skiing and sets the tone for what they hope will be a successful campaign across all skiing events in the Italian Alps.