Norwegian skier Johannes Klaebo ties Winter Olympics gold medal record

Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Norway's Johannes Klaebo again flashed unmatched ski speed, slashing snow to win Friday's 10-kilometer free and tying the Winter Olympics gold medal record.

Klaebo, who had never won the event at any other major level, clocked a 20:36.2 at Tesero Cross-Country Stadium, beating second-place Mathis Desloges (20:41.1) of France by 4.9 seconds. Norwegian compatriot Einar Hedegart (20:50.2) placed third, 14 seconds behind Klaebo.

"This is the first time I have won a 10-kilometer skating interval start," Klaebo told NBC. "So, being able to do that here at the Olympics, it's just amazing, and with the weather and the atmosphere, to kind of have my best day here at the Olympics, it's special."

Klaebo, who went viral for a nearly 12-mph uphill climb during his win in Tuesday's sprint classic final, picked up his third medal of the 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday in Lago, Italy.

His eight total gold medals are tied with fellow Norwegians Mari Bjorgen, Ole Einar Bjorndalen and Bjorn Daehlie for the most in the history of the Winter Olympics. His 10 total Winter Olympics medals, including a silver and bronze from 2022, are tied for sixth-most in history.

If Klaebo reaches nine gold medals, he would move into a seven-way tie for the second most in the history of the Olympics -- Winter or Summer -- trailing only Michael Phelps' 23.

Norway's Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo wins his EIGHTH gold medal of his career! pic.twitter.com/JCW5PhjYEp— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 13, 2026

Klaebo will get several chances to set more Olympics history at Milan-Cortina. He is in line to compete in Sunday's 4 x 7.5-kilometer relay, Wednesday's team sprint final and the Feb. 21 men's 50-kilometer mass start classic.

If Klaebo wins all of those events, he would tie Ireen Wust of the Netherlands and fellow speed skater Arianna Fontana of Italy for the third-most medals in the history of the Winter Olympics.

Fontana, the most decorated short track speed skater in history, won two medals so far at Milan-Cortina, including a gold from the 2,000-meter mixed relay and silver from the 500-meter final.

John Steel Hagenbuch, who finished 14th, was the top American in Friday's 10-kilometer free. Fellow Americans Zanden McMullen, Zak Ketterson and Gus Schumacher placed 32nd, 38th and 39th, respectively.

The men's 4 x 7.5-kilometer relay will be held at 6 a.m. EST Sunday in Lago. The event will air on USA Network.