Ben Ogden makes Olympic history: Vermont Skier ends 50-year U.S. Medal drought with stunning silver in Italy
Ben Ogden, of the United States, poses after winning the silver medal in the cross-country skiing men’s sprint classic at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Tesero, Italy, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. Image Credit: AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka
American cross-country skier Ben Ogden has etched his name into U.S. Olympic history after winning silver in the men’s sprint classic at the 2026 Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics, ending a nearly 50-year medal drought for American men in the sport. The landmark performance took place on February 10, 2026, in Tesero, Italy, one of cross-country skiing’s most demanding venues.
Ogden’s podium finish marks the first Olympic medal for a U.S. man in cross-country skiing since Bill Koch in 1976, a breakthrough moment widely hailed as a turning point for the sport in the United States.
How Ben Ogden Won the Olympic Silver
Competing against a field dominated by Scandinavian powerhouses, Ogden delivered a composed and explosive performance in the men’s sprint classic final, crossing the line 0.87 seconds behind Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who claimed gold in 3:39.74.
Ogden finished with a time of 3:40.61, holding off Norway’s Oskar Opstad Vike, who took bronze. Klæbo’s victory marked his second gold of the Games and continued Norway’s dominance in cross-country skiing, making Ogden’s result all the more remarkable.
Road to the Final: A Tactical Masterclass
Ogden advanced to the final after placing third in his semifinal heat, qualifying on time rather than position. He later said he felt strong heading into the final, describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I figured now is my one chance,” Ogden said. “There was never going to be a better opportunity than this to make my dream come true.”
That belief translated into one of the most important finishes in U.S. Olympic skiing history.
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A Vermont Legacy Reborn
Like Bill Koch, the last American man to medal in Olympic cross-country skiing, Ogden hails from Vermont, reinforcing the state’s unique legacy in the discipline. Koch won silver in the 30K event at the 1976 Innsbruck Games, and Ogden openly acknowledged the symbolic connection.
Ogden said he hopes his success will inspire a new generation of American skiers and help elevate the sport nationally.
“I hope it gives the future of the sport in the U.S. a big boost,” he said. “Bill’s medal inspired generations. I hope this one helps propel us into the next 50 years.”
From Junior Worlds to the Olympic Podium
Ogden’s Olympic silver is the culmination of a steady rise through international competition. He previously helped the U.S. secure a historic silver at the 2018 Junior World Ski Championships, the nation’s first medal at that level.
After making his Olympic debut at the 2022 Beijing Games, where he finished 12th, Ogden returned four years later as a more complete athlete, and left Italy as an Olympic medalist.
Other U.S. Performances in the Sprint Events
On the women’s side, Julia Kern delivered the strongest American showing, reaching the final and finishing sixth with a time of 4:43.41. Sweden’s Linn Svahn captured gold in the women’s sprint classic.
American skier JC Schoonmaker advanced from his quarterfinal but narrowly missed the final after placing fourth in his semifinal heat.
Why Ben Ogden’s Medal Matters
Cross-country skiing has long been dominated by Norway, Sweden, and Finland, making American podium finishes exceedingly rare. Ogden’s silver is not just a personal milestone, it represents a breakthrough moment for Team USA, signaling growing competitiveness on the world stage.
For U.S. cross-country skiing, the medal stands as proof that sustained development, depth, and belief can finally challenge decades of European dominance.
FAQ
Who is Ben Ogden?
Ben Ogden is an American cross-country skier from Vermont who competes internationally for Team USA.
What medal did Ben Ogden win at the 2026 Olympics?
Ogden won silver in the men’s cross-country skiing sprint classic at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Why is Ben Ogden’s medal historic?
He is the first U.S. man to win an Olympic medal in cross-country skiing since 1976, ending a 50-year drought.
Who won gold in Ben Ogden’s event?
Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo won gold, continuing his Olympic dominance in the sport.
Where were the 2026 Winter Olympics held?
The Games were hosted by Milan–Cortina, with cross-country skiing events held in Tesero, Italy.
Has the U.S. won Olympic medals in cross-country skiing before?
Yes, but rarely. The last U.S. male medalist before Ogden was Bill Koch in 1976.
Did Ben Ogden compete in previous Olympics?
Yes. He made his Olympic debut at the 2022 Beijing Games, finishing 12th.
What does this medal mean for U.S. skiing?
The result is seen as a major breakthrough, boosting confidence and visibility for American cross-country skiing on the global stage.