Norwegian cross-country skiing sensation Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, known as “King Klæbo,” continues to impress with his latest victory at the Milano-Cortina Olympics. The 29-year-old secured his fifth gold medal in the men’s team sprint event, equalling U.S. speed skater Eric Heiden’s record from the 1980 Lake Placid Games. This win brings Klæbo’s total Olympic gold medal count to 10, placing him among the most successful Olympic athletes, with only U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps surpassing him with 23 golds. Klæbo’s dominance has contributed significantly to Norway’s success at the Winter Games, with his gold medals accounting for a third of the country’s total tally.
In addition to his Olympic achievements, Klæbo maintains his top position in the World Cup rankings and has consistently outperformed his competitors at the Olympics, often finishing races with significant leads and even having the luxury to acknowledge spectators as he crosses the finish line. The Canadian skier Remi Drolet praised Klæbo’s remarkable talent, suggesting that he may be remembered as the greatest cross-country skier of all time.
Klæbo’s exceptional performance is attributed to his exceptional technique and unwavering dedication to his sport over the years. His distinctive running style, known as the “Klæbo run,” involves a powerful uphill sprint characterized by high knee positioning and minimal gliding, enabling him to surge ahead of his rivals in critical moments of the race. Despite his current success, Klæbo’s journey to the top was not without challenges. His former coach revealed that Klæbo started as an average skier in his teenage years but rapidly ascended to prominence through hard work and determination.
The Norwegian skier credits much of his success to his 83-year-old grandfather and coach, who has been a guiding force in his career since the age of 15. With his grandfather cheering him on from the stands, Klæbo expressed gratitude for their shared journey and the achievements they have accomplished together. As Klæbo prepares for his final event at the Milano-Cortina Olympics, the men’s 50-kilometre mass start classic on Saturday, his remarkable performance and legacy in the sport are sure to leave a lasting impression on the world of cross-country skiing.