Klaebo Wins Sixth Gold, Completing Historic Sweep On 21 Feb 2026 in Tesero, Norway’s Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo captured the 50 km mass‑start classic, his sixth gold of the Milan‑Cortina Games and the first ever six‑gold haul at a single Winter Olympics, surpassing Eric Heiden’s five‑gold record from 1980 [1][3][4]. The victory completed a clean sweep of all men’s cross‑country events, mirroring his 2025 World Championship performance [3]. Klaebo’s career total rose to eleven Olympic golds, overtaking his own previous record of eight set earlier in the Games [1][3].

Norwegian Podium Sweep Highlights Cross‑Country Dominance Klaebo’s teammates Martin Loewstroem Nyenget and Emil Iversen finished second and third respectively, delivering a Norwegian one‑two‑three finish in the 50 km race [1][3][4]. The win gave Norway its 18th gold of the Games, a new national record, and pushed the nation’s overall medal count to 40, the highest ever at a Winter Olympics [3][4]. The sweep contributed to Norway’s firm lead atop the medal table as the competition entered its final days [3][7].

Norway Sets Unprecedented Gold Record Across Games The 15 km biathlon mass‑start on 20 Feb, won by Johannes Dale‑Skjevdal with a perfect 20‑shot performance, secured Norway’s 17th gold, breaking the previous Games record of 16 set in Beijing [6][7]. The following day’s cross‑country victory raised the total to 18, establishing a new single‑Games gold record and cementing Norway’s position as the projected overall champion [3][7]. Analysts note the nation’s extensive club network and the absence of a Russian team as factors in its sustained dominance [7].

Other Notable Performances Shape Closing Days The United States earned its 11th gold in the mixed‑team aerials event, a record‑breaking achievement for the country [1][2]. Speed‑skater Jordan Stolz finished fourth in the mass‑start, missing a chance to become the first man since 1994 with three golds, while 40‑year‑old Jorrit Bergsma became the oldest male speed‑skating gold medalist [1]. Italy secured its 10th gold through Simone Deromedis in men’s skicross, bringing the host nation’s medal tally to 30 [1]. Austria’s four‑man bobsled pilot Jakob Mandlbauer was stretchered off after a crash, and the women’s freeski halfpipe final was postponed due to weather [2].

Media Highlights and Minor Discrepancies Le Monde’s feature emphasizes Klaebo’s family background and a documentary titled “Klaebo,” while also noting his prior five‑gold status before the 2026 Games [5]. BBC coverage spotlights Great Britain’s best ever cross‑country finishes, including Andrew Musgrave’s sixth place [4]. AP’s February 20 report listed Klaebo at ten career golds after his fifth Cortina victory, a figure later updated to eleven following his sixth gold on 21 Feb [7][1]. CNN provided live updates on day 15 events such as men’s curling and bobsled, underscoring the broader Olympic schedule [2].