At the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, one athlete didn't just win - he made history.
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo of Norway won the most gold medals at the 2026 Winter Games, capturing an unprecedented six gold medals at a single Olympics. No Winter Olympian had ever achieved that feat before.
Klæbo's golden sweep came across a remarkable range of events:
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10km freestyle
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20km skiathlon
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Individual sprint
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Team sprint
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4x7.5km relay
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50km classic
From explosive sprint finishes to the punishing endurance of the 50km classic, Klæbo proved his dominance in every format. His final victory in the 50km mass start sealed the record in dramatic fashion, completing one of the most commanding Olympic performances the sport has ever seen.
With those six titles, Klæbo broke the previous Winter Olympics record of five gold medals set by American speed skating legend Eric Heiden in 1980. He also raised his career Olympic gold total to 11, making him the most decorated athlete in Winter Olympic history.
Yet beyond the medals, this triumph reflects resilience. After admitting he felt mentally and physically drained following last year's World Championships, Klæbo reset his approach, rediscovered balance, and returned stronger than ever. Milano Cortina became the reward for that disciplined recalibration.
Which Country Won the Most Gold in 2026?
Norway didn't just celebrate Klæbo's brilliance - the entire nation dominated the medal table. Norway finished with 18 gold medals and 40 total medals, the highest among all competing countries.
Here's how the top nations ranked in gold medals:
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Norway - 18 gold
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United States - 11 gold
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Italy - 10 gold
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Germany - 7 gold
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Japan - 5 gold
For the third consecutive Winter Olympics, Norway stood at the top - powered in large part by Klæbo's historic run.
At Milano Cortina, the story was clear: greatness is not accidental. It is built through preparation, perseverance, and the courage to pursue excellence again and again.
