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JOHANNES HØSFLOT KLÆBO is the most decorated cross-country skier in history. He recently broke records for the most gold medals at a single Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina with six, and his total of 11 golds over his career is the most an individual has won at the Winter Games and trails only Michael Phelps (23) for the all-time Olympic mark. The secret to the 29-year-old skier’s success? His endurance is out of this world. Just check out his VO2 max, which was last measured around 85.
For reference, MH Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel C.S.C.S. explains that most of the world class athletes that played in the 2026 FIFA World Cup have a VO2 max in the 70s. An average guy who isn’t a world-class athlete on the international stage—but is still respectably in shape—would usually land in the 50s, according to Samuel.
Of course, Klæbo emphasizes in the latest Strong Talk episode that his goal isn’t to build a strong VO2 max—it’s to win races. The Norwegian superstar shared how he trains, recovers, and stays on top as he awaits the next upcoming Games with Samuel and MH Health Director and triathlete Marty Munson. Klæbo also talked about how his initial focus and training for soccer prepared him for cross-country skiing, how he’s modified the popular Norwegian method for his training, and what he does to simulate skiing during the summer months.
Want more deep-dive fitness wisdom from Samuel and other celebs and experts who've been on our Strong Talk podcast? Check out all our episodes here.
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Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, MS is the associate health & fitness for Men's Health and has previously written for CNN, Scientific American, Popular Science, and National Geographic before joining the brand. When she's not working, she's doing circus arts or working towards the perfect pull-up.
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Source: menshealth.com
