Johannes Hosflot Klaebo, of Norway, competes in the men’s 4 x 7.5 km relay in cross-country skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Tesero, Italy, on February 15, 2026. | Image source: AP
Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Klaebo became the first Winter Olympian to win nine gold medals when he led his country’s 4 x 7.5 km relay team on Sunday (February 15, 2026).
The Norwegian quartet were so far ahead that Claybo was able to wave to the crowd before the finish line, where they were greeted by fellow revelers in the bright Tesero sun.
Claybaugh, 29, has won four of his nine golds at the Milan-Cortina Games, and still has two more events to come.
He beat out three of his compatriots who have won eight gold medals at the Winter Olympics – former cross-country skiers Marit Bjørgen and Bjørn Daly, and former biathlete Ole Einar Bjorndalen.
“It feels amazing. I’m not sure if I dreamed of it or not. It’s just something I’m definitely proud of,” Claybaugh said.
“To be able to do it with the team as well, it means a lot. I think it’s hard to find words to describe it, because I think it hasn’t sunk in yet.”
He said that after the history-making moment, he received messages via Norwegian broadcaster NRK from the athletes who had won eight golds.
“It was good to share the summit with them for a few days,” he said. “It would be better to be at the summit alone, for sure.”
“It’s a huge accomplishment, and I think it’s going to take some time for it to sink in.”
He said he would “definitely celebrate a little bit” before focusing on the men’s team freestyle event on Wednesday (18 February 2026).
Claybaugh won three golds at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, and two more four years later in Beijing. He also won a silver and bronze medal from the Beijing Games.
In the relay, France won the silver medal and Italy won the bronze.
Published – 16 February 2026 at 05:09 AM IST
