With eight golds and a record 15 total medals, Marit Bjørgen is the most decorated Winter Olympian of all time.
The Norwegian claimed her first medal, a silver, in the 4x5km relay at Salt Lake City 2002, beginning a remarkable run that saw her dominate both individual and team events over the next four Olympic Games. At her final appearance in PyeongChang 2018, Bjørgen won five medals—the most ever by a female athlete at a single Winter Games—including gold in the 4x5km relay and 30km classical, bringing her career total to 15.
In addition to her Olympic success, Bjørgen also holds the record for the most individual World Cup victories in cross-country skiing with 114 wins, further cementing her status as one of the sport’s true icons.