Norway wins 17th gold medal, setting Winter Olympics record - ESPN
ESPN
February 20, 2026
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Norway made history at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics by securing its 17th gold medal, shattering the record for the most golds won by a nation at a single Winter Games. Biathlete Johannes Dale-Skjevdal claimed Norway's latest victory in the 15-kilometer mass start race, hitting all 20 targets and finishing first in a time of 39 minutes, 17.1 seconds. This achievement not only broke Norway's previous record of 16 gold medals set at the 2022 Beijing Olympics but also showcased the nation's dominance in biathlon.
Dale-Skjevdal's flawless performance came after he had already secured five medals during these Games, including a gold in the mixed relay. His teammate Sturla Holm Laegreid, who won his fifth medal of the event, took silver despite missing one target. The race was highly competitive, with Germany's Philipp Horn finishing third and France's Quentin Fillon Maillet claiming bronze after an impressive skiing performance. Despite missing four targets on the day, Fillon Maillet added to his collection of nine Olympic medals, including golds from the mixed relay and men's relay.
The competition highlighted the skill and determination required in biathlon, with Italy's Tommaso Giacomel withdrawing due to sudden health issues midway through the race. Norway's success has set a new benchmark for future Olympics, proving their ability to consistently produce world-class athletes in this demanding sport. The nation's achievements not only bring pride but also inspire aspiring athletes worldwide, demonstrating the power of dedication and teamwork in sports.
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/20/2026