Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Norway's Johannes Klaebo again flashed unmatched ski speed, slashing snow to win Friday's 10-kilometer free and tying the Winter Olympics gold medal record.
Klaebo, who had never won the event at any other major level, clocked a 20:36.2 at Tesero Cross-Country Stadium, beating second-place Mathis Desloges (20:41.1) of France by 4.9 seconds. Norwegian compatriot Einar Hedegart (20:50.2) placed third, 14 seconds behind Klaebo.
"This is the first time I have won a 10-kilometer skating interval start," Klaebo told NBC. "So, being able to do that here at the Olympics, it's just amazing, and with the weather and the atmosphere, to kind of have my best day here at the Olympics, it's special."
Klaebo, who went viral for a nearly 12-mph uphill climb during his win in Tuesday's sprint classic final, picked up his third medal of the 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday in Lago, Italy.
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