In a thrilling display of speed and strategy, American cross-country skiers Gus Schumacher and Ben Ogden powered to silver in the men’s team sprint freestyle at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Wednesday, securing Team USA’s first-ever Olympic medal in the event.
Norway’s dominant duo of Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and Einar Hedegart claimed gold with a time of 18:28.9, while the U.S. pair finished just 1.4 seconds behind at 18:30.3. Italy’s Elia Barp and Federico Pellegrino took bronze in 18:32.2, delighting the home crowd.
The result marks a landmark moment for American men’s cross-country skiing. Ogden, who earlier in the Games ended a 50-year individual medal drought for U.S. men with silver in the sprint classic, now adds a second silver to his tally. For Schumacher, the anchor leg hero who battled fiercely up the final climb to hold off Italy, it is his first Olympic podium finish.
The Americans showcased resilience throughout the race, recovering from a mid-pack position to surge into contention in the closing stages. Their performance underscores the growing strength of the U.S. program, building on Ogden’s breakthrough and positioning the team as a rising force against traditional powerhouses like Norway.
This silver adds to Team USA’s cross-country haul at these Games, highlighting the depth and determination of its skiers. As the Milano Cortina Olympics continue, the historic achievement serves as a powerful milestone for American winter sports enthusiasts worldwide.
