Local hero Klaebo claims 10th gold at Nordic World Championships

TRONDHEIM, Norway — In scenes rarely witnessed in cross-country skiing, more than 25,000 fans packed the stands in Trondheim on Thursday for day one of the FIS Nordic Skiing World Championships, which returned to the city for the first time since 1997 and to Norway – the birthplace of the sport – for the first time since 2011 writes the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

And the majority of them were here for one thing: to see Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo (NOR) win gold in the men’s Sprint Freestyle. And he did just that, claiming a fourth straight sprint title and 10^th gold medal at the world championships.

“There was a lot of nerves today, that’s for sure,” the 28-year-old admitted about competing in front of such an expectant crowd in the city where he lives – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, even for one the greats of cross-country skiing.

When not in his hometown, Klaebo spends a notable amount of time in Park City, especially during summer months for the last few years. Renting rooms, strolling farmer’s markets, and biking mountain passes, Klaebo has become a fixture in the community. He does roller ski training at Soldier Hollow, and his easy relationships with American sport administrators, coaches, and athletes finds him and his family sharing his time and his words of wisdom with local families.

Klaebo was cautious in his quarter-final, seemingly sizing up the conditions before edging ahead before the final corner, where being in front appeared to pose the fewest problems.

In a semi-final line-up worthy of the final, Klaebo again proved he had the tactical nous as well as the speed to beat the best of the rest. He hit the front at the halfway stage and never looked back, cruising through ahead of Federico Pellegrino (ITA), the last man to win a world sprint title before Klaebo – way back in 2017.

Affording himself a customary look over his shoulder before a final corner than had already claimed several victims. He could afford to take it steadily, slowing down as a he crossed the line with a punch of the air and a nod to the flag-waving masses.

“I’m out of words,” Klaebo said to FIS, barely able to be heard above the cheering masses. “I mean, it was so incredible. Look at the spectators there – it’s way different from what we are used to. This is how we do it in Trondheim, and it’s amazing. I’m just glad we are done with it now to be honest. I’m really satisfied.”