Norwegian athletes have established an unmatched legacy in the Winter Olympics, dominating the medal count with a remarkable tally of accolades. As the world looks forward to the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, the achievements of stars like Marit Bjørgen, Ole Einar Bjørndalen, and Bjørn Dæhlie exemplify the nation’s prowess on the international stage.
Marit Bjørgen stands out as the most decorated Winter Olympian in history. Her journey began at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, where she won her first medal, a silver, in the 4x5km relay. Over the years, she accumulated an impressive total of 15 medals, including eight golds, solidifying her reputation as the queen of cross-country skiing. Her peak performance came during the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, where she secured five medals—two golds, one silver, and two bronzes—surpassing even her fellow countrymen in the all-time rankings.
Equally iconic, Ole Einar Bjørndalen has left an indelible mark on the sport of biathlon. Competing from 1994 to 2014, he earned a total of 14 Olympic medals, including eight golds. His most notable achievement was his flawless performance at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, where he won gold in all four events he entered. Despite Bjørgen’s recent successes, Bjørndalen continues to hold the title of the “King of Biathlon,” a testament to his extraordinary career.
In the realm of speed skating, Ireen Wüst has emerged as the most decorated non-Norwegian Olympian, claiming a total of 13 medals across her Olympic appearances. Wüst began her Olympic journey at the 2006 Turin Games, where she earned a gold and a silver. Her impressive tally includes five medals from the 2014 Sochi Games and three from the 2018 PyeongChang Games, culminating in a successful final appearance at the 2022 Beijing Games, where she added two more medals to her collection.
Another celebrated Norwegian athlete, Bjørn Dæhlie, made his Olympic debut in 1992 and achieved a remarkable total of 12 medals in cross-country skiing. His Olympic career saw him consistently excel, winning four medals at each of the three Games in which he competed. Dæhlie’s performance places him alongside Bjørgen and Bjørndalen with eight Olympic golds.
Italy’s own Arianna Fontana is also making headlines as she prepares to compete on home ice at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Fontana, who started her Olympic career at the 2006 Turin Games, has amassed a total of 11 medals, including two golds and four silvers. Her trajectory of success will be closely followed as she seeks to add to her impressive medal tally in front of a home crowd.
The list of top Winter Olympians is not complete without mentioning Raisa Smetanina and Stefania Belmondo, both of whom have achieved ten medals in their respective sports. Smetanina, a cross-country skier, competed from 1976 to 1992, while Belmondo had a similar career span. Their achievements highlight the rich history of winter sports and the legacy of athletes who have paved the way for future generations.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approaches, attention will turn to Milan and the scenic ski resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, which will serve as the primary hosts for the Games. The excitement surrounding the event promises to bring together athletes from around the world, showcasing the spirit of competition and the rich athletic heritage that defines the Winter Olympics.
With anticipation building for the next Winter Games, the achievements of athletes like Bjørgen, Bjørndalen, Wüst, Fontana, Smetanina, and Belmondo serve as a reminder of the dedication and talent that make the Winter Olympics a celebrated international spectacle.
