Ben Ogden Makes U.S. History with Silver in Olympic Cross-Country Skiing
TESERO, Italy — In a landmark achievement for American winter sports, Ben Ogden captured the silver medal in the men’s sprint classical cross-country skiing event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking the first U.S. medal in the discipline in half a century. Ogden’s performance in Tesero not only earned Team USA its third medal of the Games but also broke a long-standing European dominance in a sport traditionally ruled by Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
Ogden crossed the finish line with a time of 3:40.61, narrowly trailing Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who clinched gold with a time of 3:39.74. The bronze went to another Norwegian, Oskar Opstad Vike, who finished in 3:46.55. This podium sweep underscored the continued strength of Scandinavian nations in cross-country skiing, yet Ogden’s silver was a historic breakthrough for the United States.
Prior to Ogden’s silver, the last American to medal in Olympic cross-country skiing was Bill Koch, who took silver in 1976. Since then, the U.S. had struggled to break through in a sport where Nordic countries have long held a competitive edge. Ogden’s achievement signals a potential shift and serves as inspiration for the growing American cross-country skiing community.
During the sprint classical race, Ogden demonstrated tactical prowess and speed, winning his quarterfinal heat against strong competitors including Sweden’s Alvar Myhlback and Italy’s Federico Pellegrino. His teammate, JC Schoonmaker, also competed valiantly but fell short in the semifinal round.
Ogden’s success has been celebrated by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, which has invested in developing winter sports athletes to compete on the world stage. The silver medal not only adds to Team USA’s medal count but also elevates the profile of cross-country skiing stateside.
For more information on Olympic cross-country skiing and athlete development programs, visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee’s official site. Detailed race results and athlete profiles are available through the International Ski Federation (FIS). To follow ongoing Winter Olympics coverage, the NBC Olympics website offers comprehensive updates and live event streaming.
As the 2026 Winter Games continue, Ogden’s silver medal stands as a testament to perseverance and the expanding reach of winter sports in the United States, promising a bright future for American cross-country skiing.
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