Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, a 29-year-old cross-country skier from Norway, made a pivotal decision at the age of 16 to pursue skiing instead of his childhood dream of becoming a soccer player. This choice was heavily influenced by his grandfather, Kare Høsflot, who has been a constant source of support since Klæbo's early years. His grandfather not only gifted him skiing equipment at the tender age of two but also became his coach and mentor, attending his practices and celebrating his achievements. Klæbo fondly recalls the moments spent with his grandfather, who encouraged his sporting aspirations and made significant contributions to his development as an athlete.

At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Klæbo showcased his extraordinary talent by winning gold medals in all five cross-country skiing events he participated in, including skiathlon, sprint classic, and team relay. This historic performance allowed him to set a new record for the most gold medals in a single Winter Olympics, surpassing the previous record of eight medals. Klæbo's remarkable achievement not only highlights his skill and dedication but also illustrates the impact of familial support in sports. With one more event left, a chance to become a six-time champion looms, which would also break the long-standing record from the 1980 Lake Placid Games.

Despite excelling in both soccer and cross-country skiing during his youth, Klæbo credits his grandfather for guiding him towards skiing. He appreciated the idea of owning his decisions, regardless of the outcome, which his grandfather instilled in him. The joy his grandfather expressed upon hearing Klæbo’s dream of becoming the world’s best cross-country skier reflects the deep bond they share and underlines the importance of mentorship in achieving greatness in sports.