Norway's dominance in cross-country skiing and other winter sports at the Milan Cortina Olympics comes down to depth, development and a winning culture built over decades.

Last updated: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. ET Top takeaway: Norway has stretched its lead to 14 gold medals and 31 total medals, while host Italy is up to 9 gold (24 total) and Team USA has climbed to 6 gold (21 total) as another wave of finals hits the standings

While Norway rules the 2026 medal table, its hockey teams are at home — a stark difference from its Nordic neighbors Sweden and Finland.

Norway cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo set a Winter Olympics record on Sunday by winning his ninth career gold medal — most in Winter Olympic history. The gold was his fourth of the 2026 Winter Olympics, joining his victories in the 10 km freestyle, 20 km skiathlon and the men's individual sprint.

Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo has won his ninth Olympic gold medal, the most of any Winter Olympian.

Nordic combined is the only Olympic sport that doesn't allow women to compete, despite athletes' efforts to change that. They say their odds for 2030 hinge on people watching men's events this week.

Norway's men's curling team delighted supporters at the Olympics on Tuesday by reviving the famous red, white and blue-patterned trousers that became a sensation 16 years ago when they were worn by Thomas Ulsrud's team.

Norway leads the medal count at the Milan Cortina Games, with experts attributing its winter sports dominance to cultural traditions and a robust talent development system.

While the U.S. doesn’t boast many first-place finishes in the medal standings, it’s still been one of the most successful countries at the Winter Olympics overall. Team USA entered the 2026 Games with the second-most gold and total medals ever, trailing Norway in both categories.