Ben Ogden made history after winning the United States’ second-ever silver medal in cross-country skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“It’s a dream come true,” Ogden, 25, said in an interview after his run. “Some days it just works and today was one of those days.”
Ogden’s award came in the men’s sprint classic on February 10, 2026, finishing with a time of three minutes and 40 seconds.
“It’s an unbelievable dream come true. Everybody who races dreams of being on an Olympic podium,” Ogden also told NBC after crossing the finish line. “It’s the ultimate goal, and I feel like this last year I’ve dared to set my expectations on an Olympic podium. ”
Prior to Odgen’s February 2026 win, the U.S. had suffered a 50-year drought when it came to cross-country skiing medals. The first medal Team USA won for the sport was awarded at the 1976 Olympics when Bill Koch also took home silver.
Ogden has previously skied with Koch, and was a part of the Bill Koch Youth Ski League before becoming an Olympic medal winner.
“We want to be someone that people are looking out for,” Ogden told New York Times’ The Atlantic in January 2025 he said of the men’s cross country skiing team. “We do that for other people. Right now that’s becoming us.”
Ogden was beaten by Norwegian Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, who won gold with a time of three minutes and 39 seconds. He called it a “dream” to race against Klaebo during a separate post-win interview, according to The Guardian.
“When you know you have to face Johannes in every race, you have to bring the best version of yourself,” Ogden said. “He wins a lot of races, but it doesn’t mean one of us can’t give him a run for his money. Today I did my best — he was better. Maybe next time.”
Keep scrolling for everything to know about Odgen:
Where Is Olympic Cross-Country Skier Ben Ogden From?
Ben Ogden grew up in Landgrove, Vermont, eventually attending the University of Vermont where he studied mechanical engineering before graduating in 2022.He was also a two-time NCAA champion as a collegiate athlete.
Ogden told The Guardian about his hometown showing up and showing out in Milan for his 2026 Winter Olympics run.
“There’s all kinds of people here from Vermont,” he said. “My mom is here. A bunch of people from my home town are here. If I wasn’t doing this I’d be over there celebrating with them. I’m just excited I was able to put on a good show with so many Vermonters here and watching back home.”
What Is Olympic Cross-Country Skier Ben Ogden’s Job?
Ben Ogden is a professional athlete.
“I’m just like, ‘I’m a skier, I’m a professional skier,’ straight up,” he told The Atlantic in January 2025 of his profession. “I’m a lot more proud.”
How Long Has Olympic Cross-Country Skier Ben Ogden Been on Team USA?
Ben Ogden has been a part of Team USA since 2019, according to his Olympics profile.
Does Olympic Cross-Country Skier Ben Ogden Knit?
Aside from his skiing skill, Ben Ogden has also learned to knit.
“It’s a great way to relax,” he said, according to The Guardian. “It won’t be easy to come down and try to fall asleep tonight. After a day like today, my knitting needles are probably waiting for me.”
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