Klaebo sends heartfelt tribute to his 83-year-old grandfather after clinching ninth Olympic gold: “He has really worked hard”

Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo secured his ninth Olympic gold at the Milan Cortina Winter Games, anchoring Norway to victory in the men’s 4x7.5km relay. With that win, the 29 year old became the most successful athlete in Winter Olympic history.

Following the win, he made sure to share his respect for the man for whom it was all possible, it has always been his grandfather.For years, Klaebo shared the mark of eight gold medals with Norwegian greats Marit Bjorgen, Bjorn Daehlie and Ole Einar Bjorndalen. His Sunday win changed that narrative. Norway finished the relay in 1:04:24.5, 22.2 seconds ahead of France, with Italy taking bronze. Klaebo skied the final leg with control, even slowing to acknowledge the crowd before crossing the line.

Klaebo hailed his 83-year-old grandfather following the 9th Olympic gold

Klaebo’s 83 year old grandfather, Kaare Hoesflot, has coached him since he was 15 and watched from the stands in Tesero."This is something he has really worked hard for," Klaebo said (via Reuters). "He's been my coach since I was 15, and we have really worked hard for it."He expanded on that bond. "He’s 83 years old, but still the most innovative guy that I know," Klaebo said (via NBC). "He’s reading books and all kinds of science to learn, be up there, and to see what we can improve all the time, and that’s special.

He was the one waxing my skis when I was younger, making the plans, driving me back and forth to training, everything. He’s been a really big support and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him.

"Klaebo also praised his teammates after the relay. "Being able to take the ninth one with the team is special and it couldn't be a better way to do that," Klaebo said. He described the victory as a shared achievement shaped by months of preparation and trust within the Norwegian squad.

Why is Klaebo's 9th Olympic gold special?

Nine gold medals move Klaebo beyond every Winter Olympian who came before him. He now stands alone at the top of the Winter Games medal list. The achievement also places him alongside Summer legends such as Carl Lewis and Paavo Nurmi in overall Olympic gold count."It was good to share the top with them for a couple of days, but it feels even better to be on the top. It’s a big achievement and will take some time to sink in," Klaebo said.He has won multiple events by decisive margins, including the 10km interval freestyle, where he finished nearly five seconds ahead of the field. With more races still ahead, Klaebo’s total could rise again.