Klaebo in class of his own while Sweden’s women claim clean sweep

Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo (NOR) looked unstoppable as he steamed ahead of his rivals in the Men’s Sprint Classic to take his seventh Olympic gold medal, while Sweden took a clean sweep of medals in the women’s race, with Linn Svahn becoming the new Olympic champion as she beat the defending champion Jonna Sundling into second with Maja Dahlqvist taking bronze at Milano Cortina 2026 on Tuesday.

In a brilliant show of strength, Klaebo kicked on early to again leave the rest of the field to battle it out for the remaining medals at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, as he had in the Men’s 10km + 10km Skiathlon on Sunday.

The Norwegian star remains on target to become the most decorated men’s Olympic Cross-Country skier of all time, now needing two more golds from his remaining four events at Milano Cortina 2026.

On whether he enjoys the pressure that comes with achieving such a feat he said: “Not all of it, but some of it is fine. I put a lot of pressure on myself as well, and it’s part of the game."

Klaebo added that he felt more relaxed having already competed in the Skiathlon at the Games, and also had a more relaxed approach compared to 2025’s FIS Nordic Ski World Championships.

“This way is healthier than last year,” he said. “Now I’m just trying to enjoy the moments. It feels good to be in a place where we know the tracks. We have raced here many times before and I know what I’m capable of doing as well.”

Klaebo had time to celebrate with the crowd before he crossed the line such was his distance in the lead, finishing in 3 minutes 39.74 seconds, which prompted USA’s Ben Ogden to begin a frantic attempt for a late upset at the line, finishing 0.87 seconds behind. On paper therefore, the times were not reflective of Klaebo’s superiority.

Klaebo’s team-mate Oskar Opstad Vike was delighted to win bronze on his Olympic debut, having kept up the chase with Ogden, before Klaebo made his move.

Home supporters were denied the opportunity to cheer for Federico Pellegrino in the final with the Italian finishing just out of contention in seventh in the semi-finals. Swedish fans were in the same position with no Swedish men in the final, but had been overjoyed by their women’s team who dominated the podium in the Women’s Sprint Classic.

Sweden’s new champion Svahn not only beat the favourite Sundling, but also managed to win on her Olympic debut.

Having won the World Cup in Goms just two weeks before, she looked strong from the outset. Sundling had stayed within striking distance throughout but was unable to match the power of her compatriot in the final stretch to the finish.

On winning her first major championship medal Svahn said: “There are so many mixed feelings. One thing I feel is a relief, to finally get to take that medal and take that gold. And it’s so nice to be able to share a moment like this with my friends.

“Sport for me is reaching goals, but to also share them with your friends and today was really one of those days.”

After finishing in 11th place in Sunday’s Women’s 10km + 10km Skiathlon, Sundling said: “After the Skiathlon this feels like a victory. There were a couple of tough days after that, and it feels great to be able to turn that around.”

The Norwegians followed behind, with Julie Bjervig Drivenes in fourth and Kristine Stavaas Skistad in fifth.

Olympic bronze medalist from Beijing 2022, Jessie Diggins (USA), was unfortunate to go out of the running at the quarter-final stage, admitting she had sustained an injury to her ribs from her fall in the Skiathlon.

For the Men’s Sprint Classic results click here. For the Women’s Sprint Classic results click here. For the full Cross-Country schedule for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games click here.