Norway Dominates Milano Cortina 2026: Johannes Klæbo Makes Olympic History
MILANO, 19 February 2026 — As the XXV Olympic Winter Games enter their final stages in Italy, the Norwegian delegation has once again asserted its status as the world’s premier winter sports superpower. With the Games running from 6 to 22 February 2026, Norway has spent the last thirteen days shattering records, led by a historic performance from cross-country skiing icon Johannes Høsflot Klæbo.
Klæbo Becomes the Greatest Winter Olympian
The headline of the 2026 Games belongs to 29-year-old Johannes Klæbo. Following Norway’s victory in the men’s relay earlier this week, Klæbo secured his ninth career Olympic gold medal. This achievement officially moves him past legendary compatriots Bjørn Dæhlie and Marit Bjørgen to become the most successful Winter Olympian of all time in terms of gold medals.
Klæbo’s dominance was further cemented on Tuesday during the sprint competitions, where he remained “untouched” by the competition, leading Norway to a comfortable gold while rivals like Switzerland and Germany struggled to keep pace in the heavy snow conditions of the Italian Alps.
Nordic Combined: Norwegian Excellence Continues
Norway entered Milano Cortina 2026 as the all-time record holder in Nordic Combined with 35 medals, and they have extended that lead significantly. Jens Luraas Oftebro has emerged as the star of the discipline in Italy, securing gold in both the Normal Hill and Large Hill individual events.
The Norwegian success has come at the expense of the German team, who described their own performance as “abysmal” (grottenschlecht) following the recent Large Hill event. While Austria’s Johannes Lamparter pushed the Norwegians to the limit to claim silver, the tactical superiority of the Norwegian skiers in the cross-country phase proved insurmountable.
Current Medal Standings and Performance
As of Thursday, 19 February, Norway leads the overall medal table, locked in a tight battle with the United States and Germany. While Germany has found success in sliding sports and recently secured a bronze in the women’s cross-country team sprint via Laura Gimmler and Coletta Rydzek, Norway’s depth across skiing and biathlon has kept them in the top spot.
Key Norwegian Results at Milano Cortina 2026
| Athlete/Team | Discipline | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Johannes Høsflot Klæbo | Cross-Country (Multiple) | Gold (9th Career Gold) |
| Jens Luraas Oftebro | Nordic Combined (LH/NH) | Gold |
| Men’s Relay Team | Cross-Country Skiing | Gold |
| Men’s Curling Team | Curling | Loss vs Germany (4-5) |
Weather Disruptions in Livigno
The twelfth and thirteenth days of competition have been hampered by severe weather. Heavy snowfall in Livigno forced officials to postpone the men’s Halfpipe qualifications earlier today. Norwegian freestyle athletes, who were among the favourites for the podium, must now wait for a new time slot as the schedule is reshuffled heading into the final weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many gold medals does Johannes Klæbo have now?
As of 19 February 2026, Johannes Klæbo has won nine Olympic gold medals, making him the most decorated Winter Olympian in history by gold medal count.
Where are the 2026 Winter Olympics being held?
The Games are hosted primarily in Milano (Milan) and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with additional events taking place in Antholz (Biathlon), Val di Fiemme (Nordic events), and Livigno (Freestyle Skiing/Snowboarding).
When do the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics end?
The closing ceremony is scheduled for 22 February 2026.
How did Norway perform in Ice Hockey?
While Norway remains a powerhouse in skiing, the men’s ice hockey tournament saw the exit of major European contenders recently; notably, Germany was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Slovakia, the same team that ended their run in Beijing 2022.