Medals update: Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo takes gold in Beijing 2022 men's cross-country sprint 

The Norwegian takes the top spot on the podium, with Italy's Federico Pellegrino winning silver and ROC's Alexander Terentev bronze. 

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(2022 Getty Images)

Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo won gold in the first men's sprint free race of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, which took place Tuesday (8 February) at the Zhangjiakou National Cross-Country Skiing Centre.

The Norwegian set a time of 2:58.06 to take the Olympic title, with Italy's Federico Pellegrino following close behind in 2:58.32 to win silver and ROC's Alexander Terentev third (2:59.37).

Klaebo, who has won a medal in every World Cup race he has ever competed in (six golds and one bronze) was in top form heading into Beijing. However, with the pressure of an Olympic final beckoning, it remained to be seen whether he would turn that form into gold.

When the race began, all questions were answered as the 25-year-old sped to the front to establish a lead he would never relinquish. Second-placed Pelligrino added another Olympic silver medal to his collection, having won the same colour medal in the same event at PyeongChang 2018. The 22-year-old Terentev rounded out the podium. finishing ahead of Finland's Joni Maki.

After the race, Klaebo spoke about the road he has taken to the Olympic Winter Games, which has recently been strewn with obstacles and challenges.

"I think it's a special moment, for sure. The last couple of weeks have been quite stressful. We had some COVID-19 in the team and my coaches are staying at home.

"So a lot of difficult times but being able to defend the Olympic gold from last time, and having this amazing fight with Federico today was special. It was a lot of fun out there."

Italy's Pellegrino, who was filled with emotion at the finish line, couldn't hide the pride he felt at winning an Olympic silver medal.

"Something incredible," he said. "I started to dream about this race eight years ago and in the last years the dream become step-by-step a goal, and to reach this goal of a medal today is incredibly emotional.

"It's been a really hard year and this is incredible."

The next cross-country skiing event takes place Thursday (10 February) with the women’s 10km classic. The men’s 15km classic, is on Friday (11 February).

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