Ben Ogden Wins Olympic Silver in Cross-Country Sprint, First U.S. Men’s Medal Since 1976

Team USA’s Ben Ogden delivered a historic performance at the Winter Olympics, winning silver in the men’s classic cross-country ski sprint — the first U.S. men’s Olympic medal in the sport since Bill Koch’s runner-up finish in the 30-kilometer race at the 1976 Games.

Competing in Treviso, Italy, Ogden surged to the podium in a race that marked a milestone moment for American cross-country skiing. Norway’s Johannes Klaebo captured gold, earning his seventh career Olympic gold medal and second of the Milan Cortina Games.

Earlier this season, Ogden and teammate Gus Schumacher made history by securing the first U.S. men’s team sprint World Cup podium finish with a third-place result — a sign of the program’s steady rise on the international stage.

After his silver medal finish, Ogden reflected on what it means to represent the United States.

“When I put on my race suit and put on my American flags, I think of the people who have got me here and who have believed in me for my entire life,” Ogden said. He credited pioneers like Bill Koch and Jessie Diggins, along with the U.S. Ski Team, for building a foundation that allowed American athletes to compete with the dominant Scandinavian nations.

Ogden also spoke about his personal connection to Koch, noting he grew up just minutes from the Olympic legend and trained on trails Koch created. He said those early experiences played a role in helping him perform in challenging conditions.

The silver medal represents not just a personal triumph, but a breakthrough moment for U.S. men’s cross-country skiing on the Olympic stage.

Credit: NBC News Channel
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