Norway (population: 5.7m) beats US (342m) to top Winter Olympics medal table

February 22, 2026

TL;DR

Norway won the most gold medals (18) and total medals (41) at the Winter Olympics, surpassing the US.
Norway's 18 golds are the most by any country in Winter Olympics history.
Despite a population of 5.7 million, Norway outperformed countries with much larger populations.
Factors contributing to Norway's success include its wealth, cultural emphasis on sports, and a youth sports philosophy prioritizing fun over early competition.
Norwegian athletic success is linked to "collaboration, communication and care" and a belief in socialist principles of working hard and being together.

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