Race-Day Drama Unfolds on Italian Snow (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Tesero, Italy – Ben Ogden and Gus Schumacher etched their names into Olympic history by securing silver in the men’s cross-country team sprint at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Games.[1][2]
Race-Day Drama Unfolds on Italian Snow
Norway claimed gold with a time of 18:28.98, powered by Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and Einar Hedegart. The American duo crossed the line in 18:30.35, just 1.37 seconds behind, while Italy took bronze at 18:32.29.[1][3] Ogden and Schumacher adapted their strategy mid-race, opting for the right-hand exchange zone to minimize risks. Schumacher anchored the final leg, holding off Italy’s Federico Pellegrino after the last hill. The pair collapsed in exhaustion at the finish, a testament to their effort.[4]
Klæbo’s victory marked his 10th Olympic gold, tying a Winter Games record. He surged ahead on the final lap of the six-lap relay. U.S. qualifiers earlier set a strong pace, finishing over two seconds ahead of Norway. This performance capped a stunning improvement from ninth place in 2022.[4]
Ogden Emerges as America’s Top Male Skier
Ogden, 25, claimed his second silver of the Games after podiuming in the classic sprint on February 10. That result ended a 50-year U.S. men’s medal drought since Bill Koch in 1976. He now stands as the most decorated American male cross-country skier in Olympic history.[1][3] Schumacher, from Anchorage, Alaska, complemented Ogden’s electric skating with proven speed on the World Cup circuit.
“It was one of those things where we both honed in on the fact that being on the right-hand side of the exchange was not working,” Ogden said. His late father had encouraged him by comparing his talent to Klæbo’s. Schumacher added, “It’s cool to prove it to everyone at the Olympics that we’re in the era.”[1]
U.S. Women Show Strength in Fifth Place Finish
Jessie Diggins and Julia Kern posted 20:41.53 for fifth in the women’s event. Sweden won gold in 20:29.99, followed by Switzerland in silver and Germany in bronze.[1][5] Diggins pulled the team into contention, but they faded on the final lap. Kern, a two-time World Championship medalist, skied solidly against top international rivals.
Diggins, a four-time Olympic medalist, made history with Kikkan Randall in 2018 by winning the first U.S. gold in the event. She plans to retire after one more race this season. Both teams now eye the 50km endurance events.[2]
Podium Results at a Glance
| Event | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Team Sprint | Norway 18:28.98 |
USA (Ogden/Schumacher) 18:30.35 |
Italy 18:32.29 |
| Women’s Team Sprint | Sweden 20:29.99 |
Switzerland 20:31.39 |
Germany 20:35.86 |
This table highlights the tight margins in both races.[1]
Key Takeaways
- First U.S. men’s Olympic team sprint medal ever.
- Ogden’s second silver cements his status as a trailblazer.
- Diggins’ career nears end after barrier-breaking run.
The medals signal a new era for U.S. cross-country skiing, built on youth and determination. Ogden and Schumacher’s success inspires the next generation. What do you think this means for American skiing’s future? Tell us in the comments.
