US Skiers Ogden and Schumacher Win Silver in Olympic Team Sprint

Ben Ogden from Vermont and Gus Schumacher from Anchorage, Alaska, won silver for the United States in the men's cross-country team sprint at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The race took place early Wednesday on a tough course in the Italian Alps. Their strong teamwork pushed them past several top teams but fell short of gold against Norway. In the women's race, Jessie Diggins and her partner led for part of the event but ended up off the podium in fourth place.

Background

Cross-country skiing team sprints pair two athletes who take turns skiing laps over a short distance. The event tests speed, endurance, and smooth handoffs between partners. At these Olympics, the course had steep climbs and fast descents, making it hard for any team to hold a lead.

Ogden and Schumacher came into the race as favorites after strong showings earlier in the Games. Ogden had picked up silver in the individual sprint a few days before. That win came right after Schumacher faced setbacks, including a crash and issues with his skis in prior races. The two are close friends and roommates, which helped them stay focused.

Schumacher trains in Anchorage and has built a name in longer races, but he showed real speed lately. Ogden brings quick sprint power. Together, they ranked second among 27 teams before the start. Norway led the field with Johannes Klæbo, who took gold in every event so far, paired with Einar Hedegaard.

The US women, with Diggins as the anchor, started strong. Diggins, a veteran with past Olympic medals, knows the pressure of these races. She once broke through in a team sprint years ago, helping put US skiing on the map.

Key Details

Men's Race Breakdown

The men's team sprint unfolded over heats and a final. Ogden and Schumacher moved through the early rounds with clean skates and fast exchanges. In the final, they stayed close to the leaders. Norway pulled ahead on the climbs, but the Americans held second over Italy and France.

Ogden took the early legs, using his sprint strength to build a gap. Schumacher handled the longer pulls, keeping pace on the uphills. A key moment came midway when Schumacher powered past France's Mathis Desloges, who had three silvers already. The handoffs stayed smooth, no slips or stumbles.

Norway's team finished first, with Klæbo sealing the win on the last lap. Ogden crossed the line for silver, clocking a total time just seconds behind. Italy took bronze with Federico Pellegrino anchoring their effort.

Women's Race

The women raced on the same course right after. Diggins and her teammate jumped to the front early. They held the lead through two exchanges. But Switzerland and Sweden caught up on the technical sections.

Diggins pushed hard on her final leg, closing gaps on the flats. Still, the team faded to fourth as Norway and Finland took the top spots. Diggins later said the pace felt right until the last climb.

"It's tough when you're right there, but you give everything anyway." – Jessie Diggins

Schumacher spoke about teaming with Ogden after his own rough start to the Games.

"It's really cool and big for all of us, but everyone wants to be the guy to break the drought." – Gus Schumacher

What This Means

This silver marks the best US result ever in an Olympic men's team sprint. It builds on Ogden's individual silver and shows US men closing in on the Norwegians, who dominate the sport. Schumacher's rebound adds depth to the team for remaining events like relays.

For the women, fourth place stings with Diggins leading. It points to growing strength but highlights the gap to Europe. The result keeps US hopes alive for more medals before the Games end.

Ogden and Schumacher's friendship shone through. They celebrated together right after, already looking to the next races. US Ski & Snowboard called it a historic day. The team now shifts to distance events, where endurance matters most.

Fans watched closely as these races often bring surprises. Dark horses rise, and favorites falter on tricky courses. Ogden and Schumacher proved they belong with the best. Diggins keeps fighting for that next podium spot.

The Milano Cortina Games continue with more cross-country action. Weather stayed clear for the sprints, aiding fast times across the board. Teams now prep skis for upcoming relays, where four or six skiers rotate.

US athletes train year-round in places like Anchorage and Vermont. Harsh winters build the base for these moments. Ogden's Vermont roots and Schumacher's Alaska background mix East Coast speed with Western grit.

Norway's lock on gold shows their program. Klæbo trains full-time, with support few nations match. US gains like this silver chip away at that edge.

Diggins broadcasts for NBC between races, sharing insights. Her experience guides younger teammates. The silver boosts morale across the US squad.

Relay events loom large. Ogden and Schumacher could feature again, using sprint form in longer formats. Full team relays test depth, a US strength lately.

This podium spot draws eyes to cross-country skiing. More Americans tune in, inspired by hometown heroes. Schumacher's story—from crash to silver—inspires kids in Alaska.