10 Things to Know About the Norwegian Cross-Country Legend

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo capped one of the most dominant individual performances in Winter Olympics history on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, winning the men’s 50km mass start classic to claim his sixth gold medal at the Milano Cortina Games — the most ever by any athlete at a single Winter Olympics.

The 29-year-old Norwegian finished in 2:07:07.1, pulling away late to beat teammate Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget by 17.5 seconds, with Emil Iversen taking bronze for an all-Norwegian podium. The victory completed a perfect sweep: Klæbo won every cross-country event he entered — skiathlon, sprint classic, 10km freestyle, 4×7.5km relay, team sprint and the 50km — becoming the first to achieve six golds in one Games.

Here are 10 essential facts about the man now widely called the greatest cross-country skier ever:

1. Born October 22, 1996, in Oslo Klæbo turns 30 in 2026. He moved to Trondheim at age five, where he grew up and still resides. Standing 183.5 cm (6 feet), he combines explosive sprint power with endurance that has redefined the sport.
2. Coached by Grandfather Kåre Høsflot Since Childhood His grandfather, Kåre Høsflot, an 82-year-old former coach, gave him his first skis at age two and has guided him ever since. The “grandfather effect” is credited for Klæbo’s technical mastery and mental toughness, with Kåre remaining his primary mentor through Olympic success.
3. Youngest Male to Win Olympic Gold in Cross-Country At 21 years and 114 days, Klæbo became the youngest male Olympic champion in cross-country skiing when he won the sprint classic at PyeongChang 2018. He added two more golds there (team sprint, relay), tying for most at those Games.
4. Holds Record for Most Gold Medals at a Single Winter Olympics His six golds at Milano Cortina 2026 surpass Eric Heiden’s five from Lake Placid 1980. With the victory, Klæbo now has 11 career Olympic golds — second only to Michael Phelps (23) among all Olympians — and 13 total medals.
5. Most World Cup Wins in History Klæbo has surpassed 100 FIS World Cup individual victories, the most ever by a male cross-country skier. He also owns records for most sprint World Cup wins and youngest overall World Cup champion (2017-18 season).
6. Swept All Events at 2025 World Championships In his hometown of Trondheim last March, Klæbo won six golds — every cross-country event offered — mirroring his 2026 Olympic feat and solidifying his GOAT status before the Games.
7. Family-Oriented and Low-Key Off the Snow Klæbo keeps a private life, often crediting family support. His father Haakon manages his career, while grandfather Kåre coaches. He enjoys fishing, hiking and hunting in summer, maintaining balance amid intense training.
8. Master of Sprint and Distance Unlike specialists, Klæbo excels in both sprint and distance events. His explosive uphill surges — dubbed “superhuman” — and tactical brilliance allow him to dominate varied formats, from 1.4km sprints to 50km marathons.
9. Record-Breaking Consistency Klæbo has won multiple Tour de Ski titles, overall World Cup globes and sprint globes. He became the youngest to win the big Crystal Globe and holds records for most sprint titles and youngest world champion in multiple categories.
10. Legacy as the Greatest Cross-Country Skier With 11 Olympic golds, 15 World Championship golds and over 100 World Cup wins, Klæbo is widely regarded as the most decorated male cross-country skier ever. His 2026 sweep — racing 115km across six events in 14 days — cements his place among winter sports’ all-time greats.

Klæbo’s dominance has inspired a new generation in Norway and globally. As the Milano Cortina Games conclude, his name stands atop the record books — a testament to talent, work ethic and the guidance of family.