Ben Ogden ends 50-year wait for US men’s Olympic medal

TESERO: US cross-country skier Ben Ogden made history on Tuesday by winning a silver medal in the Olympic classic sprint, ending a 50-year medal drought for the US men’s cross-country skiing team.

The last time an American man stood on the Olympic podium in cross-country skiing was in 1976, when Bill Koch won silver in the 30 km event. Ogden’s achievement marks a major milestone for the sport in the United States and could signal the start of a new era.

“I hope this gives the future of the sport in the US a big boost,” Ogden told Reuters. “Bill’s medal inspired a generation of young skiers and everyone who dreamed the US could be a cross-country ski nation. I hope this propels us into the next 50 years.”

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Earlier this year, Ogden and teammate Gus Schumacher had already made history by securing the US men’s first-ever World Cup sprint podium with a third-place finish.

On Tuesday, Ogden put in a dominant performance, finishing second in the qualification round. In the quarter-finals, he pulled ahead of his competitors to finish 2.29 seconds faster than the next fastest racer. In the final, he was narrowly beaten by Norway’s Johannes Klaebo, who claimed his second gold of the Games and seventh overall.

“When I looked at the bottom of that hill, my new favourite hill, and saw it was just the three of us, I knew it was time,” Ogden said. “My goal feels closer than ever.”

Off the track, the 25-year-old is known for his humour and humility. At a press conference ahead of the Games, he jokingly apologised for not responding to messages or emails, blaming it on his recent knitting hobby.

Historic moment for US cross-country skiing. 🥈

Ben OGDEN [USA] claims silver in the men's sprint classic — his first Olympic medal and the first medal for a US male cross-country skier since 1976.

What a breakthrough 🤩 #MilanoCortina2026 | @FISCrossCountry | #MedalAlert |… pic.twitter.com/xN39TUbZBH

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) February 10, 2026

Ogden’s teammates were thrilled with his historic achievement. Julia Kern, who finished sixth in the women’s classic sprint, called it “incredibly special,” and Jessie Diggins posted on Instagram, “This guy!!!!!! Holy smokes CONGRATS BENNY SO PROUD OF YOU!!”

With this medal, Ogden not only ends a five-decade-long wait but also raises hopes for the future of American men’s cross-country skiing on the international stage.