Europe’s dominance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games continued on Day 4, highlighted by another commanding performance from Norwegian cross-country skiing star Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, who captured his second gold medal of the Games in the men’s sprint classic.

Klaebo secured his seventh Olympic title, reinforcing Norway’s stronghold in cross-country skiing. He finished ahead of Team USA’s Ben Ogden, who claimed silver to earn his first Olympic medal. Ogden’s podium finish marked the first Olympic medal by a U.S. male cross-country skier since 1976. Norway’s Oskar Opstad Vike took bronze, earning his first Olympic medal at age 22.

Norway added three more gold medals to its tally, further strengthening its position atop the standings. Germany increased its gold count to three after Julia Taubitz won the women’s luge event. Germany had already secured gold in the men’s individual luge.

Austria claimed gold in the women’s team combined event, bringing its total to two. Host nation Italy doubled its gold tally with a victory in short track speed skating, an event that also delivered Canada’s first silver medal of the Games. Slovenia entered the gold medal column by winning the mixed team ski jumping event, while Nika Prevc earned silver for Slovenia in the women’s normal hill competition.

Klaebo’s pursuit of history is well underway. With two gold medals from two events, he is closing in on the record for the most decorated male Olympic cross-country skier. The current mark of eight Olympic gold medals is held by fellow Norwegian Bjoern Daehlie. Klaebo will have the opportunity to match that total in upcoming events, beginning with the men’s 10km interval start free on Friday.

“It was amazing,” said Klaebo on winning his second gold medal of Milano Cortina 2026, having also finished first in the men’s 10km + 10km skiathlon. “I was a little bit more relaxed before this race than I was before Sunday. It was good to have already done the first one so that I could relax a little bit more and enjoy it. That was exactly what I did out there today.”

At the Tesero Cross Country Skiing Stadium, Klaebo broke away decisively on the long uphill section. Ogden and Vike attempted to stay with him early but were unable to match his pace. Ogden later passed Vike to secure silver.

“It’s an unbelievable, unbelievable dream come true,” said Ogden, who was supported by friends and family who traveled from Vermont to watch him compete. “I mean, everybody who races dreams of being on an Olympic podium, and I think it’s the ultimate, the ultimate goal, and I feel that this last year I’ve dared to really set my expectations on the Olympic medal. Every day in training, I thought about how I could get better and be the best version of myself on this course—and I’ve had good days and bad days on this course—but I’m thrilled that today ended up being a good day.”

Norway also triumphed in the men’s 20 km individual biathlon, where Johan Olav Botn won gold and teammate Sturla Holm Laegreid secured bronze.

In ice hockey, Canada suffered a 5-0 defeat to its rival, the United States. Sweden defeated Japan 4-0, Germany edged Italy 2-1, and Finland beat Switzerland 3-1.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Olympic Committee and Skate Canada confirmed that Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps will compete in the pairs figure skating event as scheduled on February 15. According to the statement, Stellato-Dudek sustained a head injury during a training session in Quebec on January 30 and has since been closely monitored by medical teams from both Skate Canada and Team Canada. She has completed the required medical evaluations.

Athlete health and safety remain our top priority, and the decision to compete was made under the guidance of medical professionals. Stellato-Dudek is feeling well and is looking forward to taking the ice at Milano Cortina 2026.

“I want to thank everyone for their concern and support. I’ve been working closely with the medical team and feel ready and excited to compete,” said Stellato-Dudek. “My priority right now is skating my best. Maxime and I respectfully ask the media to allow us space to focus on the competition.”

Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps are scheduled to make a brief statement in the mixed zone following their practice session on February 13.

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