Olympian Ben Ogden wins silver medal, ending U.S. drought

Bennington native makes history with first U.S. medal in event in 50 years

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Ben Ogden, a cross-country skier from Bennington County, Vermont, won a silver medal in the men's sprint at the Winter Olympics, ending a 50-year drought for the United States in that event. Ogden spoke about his historic achievement and his connection to fellow Vermont native Bill Koch, who won the medal in 1976.

Why it matters

Ogden's silver medal win is a significant accomplishment for the United States in cross-country skiing, a sport where the country has struggled to find success at the Olympic level in recent decades. His performance has inspired pride in his local community and the broader Vermont region.

The details

Ogden, a 24-year-old Olympian, finished second in the men's sprint event at the Winter Games in Italy. His silver medal marks the first time in 50 years that a U.S. athlete has reached the podium in that discipline. Ogden spoke about the honor of joining fellow Vermonter Bill Koch, who won the medal in 1976, in the country's cross-country skiing history.

  • Ogden won the silver medal on February 11, 2026.
  • The last time a U.S. athlete won a medal in the men's cross-country sprint was in 1976 when Bill Koch won silver.

The players

Ben Ogden

A 24-year-old cross-country skier from Bennington County, Vermont, who won a silver medal in the men's sprint event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Bill Koch

A Vermont native who won a silver medal in cross-country skiing at the 1976 Winter Olympics, the last time a U.S. athlete medaled in the men's sprint event before Ogden's achievement.

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What they’re saying

“It's incredible to get to put my name alongside Bill Koch in cross country ski history. It's a dream come true and I remember when I was young getting to see Bill's medal for the first time.”

— Ben Ogden (WNYT)

What’s next

Ogden's historic silver medal performance is expected to inspire more interest and investment in cross-country skiing in the United States, potentially leading to greater development of the sport at the youth and collegiate levels.

The takeaway

Ben Ogden's silver medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics marks a significant milestone for U.S. cross-country skiing, ending a 50-year drought and connecting the young Olympian to the legacy of Vermont skiing great Bill Koch. Ogden's achievement has sparked pride in his local community and could help spur greater interest and growth in the sport across the country.