A Phenomenal Record Fuels Massive Expectations (Image Credits: Media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com)
Tesero, Italy — Norwegian skier Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo chases historic glory at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics while confronting spotty internet that disrupts his vital downtime routine.[1]
A Phenomenal Record Fuels Massive Expectations
The 29-year-old Norwegian arrived in the Dolomites as cross-country skiing’s undisputed leader. Nicknamed the “King,” Klaebo sought to etch his name in history by securing six gold medals at one Winter Games.[1]
Expectations weighed heavily on him. He already claimed five Olympic golds entering the event, just three short of the all-time record. Klaebo also held world championships in every one of cross-country’s six disciplines. Recent triumphs silenced doubters: gold in Sunday’s skiathlon and Tuesday’s sprint classic final, where he surged uphill at a pace quicker than six minutes per mile.[1]
These feats positioned him one victory from matching the Winter Olympics gold medal record shared by three fellow Norwegians from cross-country and biathlon backgrounds.
Video Games Provide Essential Relief
Klaebo relies on gaming to unwind amid relentless competition. The athlete spends over 250 days annually on the road and packs his PlayStation console and screen for consistency.[1]
He favors “Battlefield,” a first-person shooter, for evening sessions with friends back home. “A great way to switch your mind off,” he explained. This ritual balances the intense focus required for races with necessary recovery. “I need the nerves to be able to perform at my highest level, and in the evenings, I just try to play a little bit (online) with my friends back home and talk about different things than skiing,” Klaebo said. “And I feel like that helps.”
Poor Connectivity Derails Downtime
Initial days in Tesero brought frustration instead of relaxation. Weak Wi-Fi prevented reliable online play, rattling the otherwise unflappable champion.[1]
“The conclusion was that the internet was a bit too weak,” Klaebo noted last week. “Now we have put Italy to work here and we will see if someone comes and fixes it. In the worst case someone turns up and cables up my internet. Then the Olympics are saved. I depend on it completely so I am willing to pay a lot to get it sorted.” Even endurance-honed athletes like Klaebo found this obstacle grating. After his latest gold, he planned to celebrate with “some evening games.”
Other Athletes Navigate Similar Challenges
Klaebo’s predicament resonated across sports. Biathlete Johannes Dale-Skjevdal, another Norwegian, faced comparable issues while playing “Battlefield” against French rivals.[1]
He described taking “lives in the virtual world” despite modest skills. Dale-Skjevdal switched rooms for better signal after his first setup faltered. “I’m getting my hours in bed,” he assured, noting sessions ended early around 9:15 p.m. due to connectivity woes.
- Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo boasts five Olympic golds prior to 2026 and recently added two more in Tesero.
- Gaming, especially “Battlefield,” serves as his primary decompression method during 250+ travel days yearly.
- Subpar Wi-Fi in the Dolomites prompted him to demand fixes, underscoring modern athletes’ tech reliance.
Klaebo’s story reveals how elite performers blend grueling physical demands with everyday digital comforts. Even as he nears legendary status, reliable internet emerges as a quiet essential for peak performance. What role do you think technology plays in athletes’ success? Share your thoughts in the comments.
