Alaska's Gus Schumacher wins Olympic silver in cross-country skiing

Schumacher's historic performance marks a breakthrough for American cross-country skiing.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Gus Schumacher, an Anchorage native and 2018 Service High School graduate, won a silver medal in the men's sprint relay at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Schumacher and his teammate Ben Ogden finished second behind Norway's dominant team, making Schumacher only the third American man to ever win an Olympic medal in cross-country skiing.

Why it matters

Schumacher's silver medal is a major milestone for American cross-country skiing, which has long been dominated by Norway and other Scandinavian countries. This result, along with recent successes by other American skiers like Jessie Diggins and Ben Ogden, signals a rising program that could challenge the traditional powerhouses in future Olympics.

The details

Schumacher and Ogden had the fastest qualifying time earlier in the day, setting them up for success in the final. Schumacher then raced the final leg against Norway's Johannes Klaebo, matching him stride-for-stride on the grueling final climb before Klaebo pulled away. The gutsy performance allowed the Americans to hang on for the silver medal.

  • Schumacher and Ogden had the fastest qualifying time earlier in the day.
  • Schumacher raced the final leg against Norway's Johannes Klaebo.

The players

Gus Schumacher

A 25-year-old cross-country skier from Anchorage, Alaska who won a silver medal in the men's sprint relay at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Ben Ogden

A cross-country skier from Vermont who paired with Gus Schumacher to win the silver medal in the men's sprint relay.

Kikkan Randall

A former Olympic gold medalist in cross-country skiing who grew up and developed her career in Anchorage, Alaska. She provided commentary on Schumacher's race from the broadcast booth.

Johannes Klaebo

A Norwegian cross-country skier who has dominated the 2026 Winter Olympics, winning multiple gold medals including in the 4x7.5K relay.

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What they’re saying

“When Klaebo went for his big gear on the climb, Gus looked like he was going to match him for the first few strides and just skied so powerful up that hill. Klaebo still pulled away, but he didn't pull away as fast as he did in some of the other competitions.”

— Kikkan Randall, Former Olympic gold medalist (webcenterfairbanks.com)

“I think what surprised me the most is how aggressive and just commanding they skied in that race. It was gutsy, but it was backed up with strength and just absolutely so happy for those guys.”

— Kikkan Randall, Former Olympic gold medalist (webcenterfairbanks.com)

What’s next

Schumacher and his teammates could be serious contenders at the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, the first U.S. Winter Games since 2002.

The takeaway

Gus Schumacher's silver medal performance, along with other recent successes by American cross-country skiers, signals a rising program that could challenge the traditional Scandinavian powerhouses in future Olympics. This breakthrough is inspiring the next generation of young skiers in Alaska and across the United States.