OLYMPICS: Crosscountry-Six down, three to go: Klaebo edges closer to making history

TESERO, Italy – Norway’s Johannes Klaebo is edging closer to becoming the most successful Olympic skier at the Milano Cortina Winter Games, though the 29-year-old insists he is not focused on records.

Arriving in Italy with five Olympic gold medals, Klaebo added another in the skiathlon on Sunday, reaffirming his position at the top of cross-country skiing. His strategic approach in the race—holding back before launching a late surge—allowed him to pull away from his rivals in the final stretch.

If he can replicate this performance, Klaebo has a clear path to join the ranks of Winter Olympic legends. The benchmark remains Marit Bjoergen, whose eight golds and 15 total medals are the most in the sport, alongside fellow Norwegian Bjorn Daehlie’s eight golds. Biathlon great Ole Einar Bjoerndalen also boasts eight golds and 13 medals, underlining Norway’s dominance in endurance winter sports.

“I am not thinking too much about the records,” Klaebo told Reuters. “First of all, we will celebrate this one.”

Once known primarily as a sprinter, Klaebo expanded his range through years of hard work and guidance from his grandfather, Kaare Hosfloet, now 83, who has trained him since he was 10. The Norwegian national team has also supported him, allowing him to follow his own training regimen.

Even with history potentially within reach, Klaebo downplayed any talk of records after his skiathlon victory. “I will do my very best and see how things go, but I will take it day by day,” he said, adding that he has not discussed surpassing Bjoergen’s achievements with the retired skier. “I have not spoken to her about anything like that,” he said, smiling.

Klaebo has three more gold medal opportunities ahead. His next race is the classic sprint on Tuesday, followed by the 10km freestyle on Friday, where a win would tie him with Bjoergen. He is also expected to anchor Norway’s team in the two relay events, with a final chance coming in the mass start classic on February 21.

-Reporting by Tommy Lund and Liz Hampton in Tesero/Reuters