Klaebo sets sights on record Winter Games gold tally in Milano Cortina

Jan 27 : Norway's cross-country star Johannes Klaebo is chasing more than records at next month's Milano Cortina Olympics, with the 29-year-old aiming to transform personal milestones into a lasting place in history as the most decorated skier in the sport.

Klaebo is targeting a feat no one has achieved in cross-country skiing, aiming to become the most successful Olympic athlete in the sport by surpassing the eight gold medals won by his now-retired compatriot, female skier Marit Bjoergen.

Already a five-times Olympic champion, Klaebo will arrive in Italy having moved past the sprint dominance that made his name.

Renowned for explosive finishes and tactical speed, he has spent the past seasons racing more frequently over longer distances to become a contender across the full programme.

Klaebo underscored his range this season by winning six gold medals at the World Championships in Trondheim, Norway, collecting titles in sprint and distance disciplines.

His fine results have continued in the World Cup, where he has remained among the leaders in the overall standings.

In January, Klaebo claimed a fifth overall Tour de Ski title, extending his own record in the multi-stage event.

KLAEBO'S OLYMPIC MEDAL HAUL

The Olympic cross-country competitions will be staged in Val di Fiemme, where Klaebo has enjoyed several World Cup victories.

He made his Olympic debut at Pyeongchang in 2018, where he won three gold. At the 2022 Beijing Games, Klaebo retained his sprint titles and added a bronze medal in the 15 km individual event as well as claiming silver in the 4x10 km relay.

Since then, he has adjusted his training to compete across the full Olympic programme, balancing sprint speed with endurance to cover short and long-distance races.

Klae