Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo Leads Norway to Record Olympic Medal Haul

New York Times - WorldEN 4 min read 100% complete by Lynsey Chutel and Louise KrügerFebruary 22, 2026 at 06:01 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Led by cross-country skiing star Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, Norway achieved a record-breaking 40 medals at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, including 18 gold, securing their place as one of the most decorated nations in Winter Olympics history. Klaebo himself won his sixth gold medal, setting records for golds won by a nation and an athlete at a single Winter Olympics. The victory provided a welcome distraction for Norway, which had recently been facing scrutiny due to scandals involving prominent figures, including the Crown Princess and a former prime minister. These scandals, related to associations with Jeffrey Epstein and other charges, had cast a negative light on the country prior to the Games. The Olympic success offered a positive shift in attention for Norway.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Italy 30% Ivar Ramberg 30% Bjorn Saltvik 30% Thorbjorn Jagland 40% Anterselva Biathlon Arena 40% Antholz-Anterselva 40% Oslo ×250% Crown Princess Mette-Marit 50% Jeffrey Epstein ×360% Milan-Cortina Olympics ×270% Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo ×390% Norway ×9100%

Keywords

winter olympics 100% norway 100% medal haul 90% johannes hoesflot klaebo 80% scandal 70% cross-country skiing 70% jeffrey epstein 60% national values 50% corruption 50%