Top medalists in the 2026 Winter Olympics

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Every Olympic Games produces its share of champions, but the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina felt different. There was a sense, from the very first days of competition, that something special was unfolding on the snow and ice of Italy. The mountains framed breathtaking finishes, the arenas pulsed with energy, and as the medals began to stack up, a small group of athletes separated themselves from the field in spectacular fashion. These weren’t just winners — they were tone-setters, record-breakers, and emotional leaders for their nations.

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At the center of it all was Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, whose stunning six-gold sweep in cross-country skiing became one of the most dominant performances in Winter Olympic history. Race after race, he combined tactical brilliance with pure speed, making excellence look almost effortless. But he wasn’t alone in defining these Games. The biathlon courses belonged to a fierce and focused French and Norwegian contingent — Julia Simon’s composure, Quentin Fillon Maillet’s clutch relay performances, Lou Jeanmonnot’s all-around consistency, and Sturla Holm Lægreid’s remarkable five-medal haul turned every shooting stage into must-watch drama.

On the ice, Dutch short track star Jens van ’t Wout electrified crowds with explosive finishes and fearless racing, while Canada’s Courtney Sarault showcased grit and versatility across multiple events. Sweden’s Ebba Andersson brought endurance and determination to the cross-country distances, proving that resilience can be just as powerful as raw speed. Together, these eight athletes didn’t just collect medals — they shaped the identity of Milano-Cortina 2026, turning competition into storytelling and moments into legacy.

1. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo (NOR) – 6 Gold​

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Gold medalst Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo of Norway celebrates on the podium at the victory ceremony for the men’s 50km cross country skiing mass start at the Closing Ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Verona Olympic Arena. Credit: Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters via Imagn Images

Medals Won:

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  Men’s 50km Mass Start Classic
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  Men’s 10km + 10km Skiathlon
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  Men’s 10km Interval Start Free
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  Men’s Sprint Classic
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  Men’s 4×7.5km Relay
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  Men’s Team Sprint Free

Klæbo delivered a flawless Olympic performance, sweeping every event he entered. Winning six gold medals in one Games is the definition of dominance, and he made it look almost routine. His versatility across sprint and distance events cemented his place as the undisputed star of Milano-Cortina.

2. Sturla Holm Lægreid (NOR) – 5 Medals (3 Silver, 2 Bronze)​

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#biathlon Olympics 2026: Only biathlete with 5 medals ?

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Sturla Holm Laegreid

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pic.twitter.com/k2DUqKywN1

— biathlonstats (@biathstats) February 22, 2026

Medals Won:

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  Men’s 15km Mass Start
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  Men’s 4×7.5km Relay
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  Men’s 12.5km Pursuit
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  Men’s 10km Sprint
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  Men’s 20km Individual

Lægreid showcased incredible consistency throughout the biathlon program. While gold narrowly eluded him, five podium finishes reflect remarkable stamina and precision under pressure. He proved himself as one of Norway’s most dependable performers.

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3. Julia Simon (FRA) – 4 Medals (3 Gold, 1 Silver)​

[EDITO] Le sacre de Julia Simon : le talent, la justice et les sentiments

Julia Simon est devenue championne olympique de l'individuel, mercredi, quelques mois après sa condamnation et dans un contexte parfois hostile. https://t.co/lRxJiKQOp6pic.twitter.com/4PhG6bU1UM

— L'Équipe (@lequipe) February 12, 2026

Medals Won:

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  Women’s 4x6km Relay
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  Women’s 15km Individual
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  Mixed Relay 4x6km (M+W)
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  Women’s 12.5km Mass Start

Simon was simply unstoppable on the range and the trails. Three gold medals highlight her ability to deliver in both individual and team formats. She left Italy as one of the defining faces of women’s biathlon.

4. Quentin Fillon Maillet (FRA) – 4 Medals (3 Gold, 1 Bronze)​

Tout beau, tout 9⃣

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Quentin Fillon Maillet devient le Français le plus médaillé de l’histoire des Jeux Olympiques !#JeuxOlympiques#MilanoCortina2026pic.twitter.com/mIZqOYweEy

— Jeux Olympiques (@jeuxolympiques) February 20, 2026

Medals Won:

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  Men’s 10km Sprint
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  Mixed Relay 4x6km (M+W)
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  Men’s 4×7.5km Relay
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  Men’s 15km Mass Start

Fillon Maillet delivered when France needed him most. His gold in the sprint set the tone, and he anchored multiple relay triumphs with calm authority. His leadership and sharp shooting made him a central figure in France’s medal surge.

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5. Jens van’t Wout (NED) – 4 Medals (3 Gold, 1 Bronze)​

Jens en Melle van ’t Wout grotere ’attractie’ in Milaan dan historische Duomo: ’Holy crap, wat hebben we gedaan!?’ https://t.co/Iw8eUalRImpic.twitter.com/TM76pirjsp

— Redactie Telesport (@telesport) February 22, 2026

Medals Won:

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  Men’s 1000m
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  Men’s 1500m
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  Men’s 5000m Relay
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  Men’s 500m

Van ’t Wout dominated the short track oval with explosive speed and tactical brilliance. Winning across multiple distances showed his complete skill set. He emerged as one of the Netherlands’ brightest stars of the Games.

6. Lou Jeanmonnot (FRA) – 4 Medals (2 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze)​

[#MilanCortina2026]
Notre délégation française menée par Lou Jeanmonnot et Mathis Desloges

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CNSOF/KMSP pic.twitter.com/N4aS0wXksx

— FranceOlympique (@FranceOlympique) February 22, 2026

Medals Won:

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  Women’s 4x6km Relay
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  Mixed Relay 4x6km (M+W)
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  Women’s 15km Individual
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  Women’s 7.5km Sprint

Jeanmonnot quietly built one of the most impressive medal collections in biathlon. Her ability to contribute in relays while remaining competitive individually showed her all-around excellence. She played a huge role in France’s dominant showing.

7. Ebba Andersson (SWE) – 4 Medals (1 Gold, 3 Silver)​

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Gold medallist Frida Karlsson of Sweden takes a selfie on the podium with silver medallist Ebba Andersson of Sweden and bronze medallist Jessie Diggins of the United States after the women’s cross country skiing 10km interval start freestyle during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium. Credit: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters via Imagn Images

Medals Won:

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  Women’s 50km Mass Start Classic
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  Women’s 4×7.5km Relay
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  Women’s 10km Interval Start Free
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  Women’s 10km + 10km Skiathlon

Andersson proved her endurance with a powerful gold in the grueling 50km race. Adding three silvers demonstrated her consistency across distance events. She was the backbone of Sweden’s cross-country success.

8. Courtney Sarault (CAN) – 4 Medals (2 Silver, 2 Bronze)​

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Silver medalist Courtney Sarault of Canada celebrates after the women’s 1000m during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena. Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images

Medals Won:

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  Mixed Team Relay
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  Women’s 1000m
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  Women’s 500m
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  Women’s 3000m Relay

Sarault delivered a complete Olympic campaign, medaling in both individual and relay events. Her versatility and race awareness kept Canada competitive in every final she entered. Four medals reflect both speed and resilience on the ice.

Conclusion​

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Gold medallist Frida Karlsson of Sweden poses on the podium with silver medallist Ebba Andersson of Sweden and bronze medallist Jessie Diggins of the United States in the women’s cross country skiing 10km interval start freestyle during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium. Credit: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters via Imagn Images

When the flame was extinguished in Milano-Cortina, it was these eight medalists who left the deepest imprint on the Games. Their performances weren’t only measured in gold, silver, and bronze, but in the inspiration, pride, and unforgettable memories they created for fans around the world.

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