Norwegian cross-country superstar Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo's explosive dash up a hill on skis in the closing moments of the Olympic classic sprint quickly became an internet sensation. 

The 29-year-old surged to his second gold medal of the 2026 Milan Cortina Games and the seventh of his career in a stunning burst on Tuesday that left his competitors stranded. By the time he reached the home straight, he had built up such a commanding lead that he could pause to bow to the crowd and glance back as the rest of the field appeared in the distance.

NBC Olympics posted a video of the uphill sprint on social media. The post has had some 13 million views and 3,000 shares, while bringing out wit and admiration alike from the internet.

His fastest pace up the hill was 18.4 km/h, according to the broadcast, or 11.4 mph. 

The display of power left rivals impressed, with silver medalist Ben Ogden saying Klaebo appeared to be competing in an entirely different sport.

"When you have to face Johannes in every single race, you know that you have to bring the best version of yourself and bring your A game and you have to keep dreaming," Ogden said.

On social media, one user posted: "Klaebo is the single most impressive athlete I've ever seen in a Winter Olympic Games", while others joked that the sprint reminded them of their children running away when they said: "okay, it's time for bed", or of being late to catch a flight.

Ogden picked up the first Olympic medal for U.S. men in the sport in 50 years, something he hoped would elevate its status back home.