Best Winter Olympians of All-Time

With the Winter Olympics coming in 2022, it is time to start thinking who have been the top athletes of the snow and ice. Different countries will be represented in this list and none from the United States of America. Here are our top-4.

#4 – Bjorn Daehlie

Bjorn Daehlie, from Norway, is one of the most decorated Winter Olympic medalists of all-time. You may be wondering why this Winter Olympic medal winner is not #1. Well, he handled cross-country skiing with ease when the sport was not that competitive. During his career, Bjorn won 8 gold medals and 4 silver medals. He was also known for his amazing line of ski clothing.

#3 – Ireen Wust

Ireen, from The Netherlands, is the most decorated speed skater in Olympic history. As an openly bisexual woman, she is also the most decorated LGBTQ+ individual of all-time, too. Over her career, West won 5 gold medals, 4 silver, and 1 bronze.

#2 – Raisa Smetanina

Raisa Smetanina had one of her most successful Olympics in 1976. Competing for the Soviet Union and later with the Unified Team, Raisa was an amazing cross-country skier. She was the first woman to ever win 10 Olympic medals in the Winter Olympics. Over her time, Raisa won 4 gold, 5 silver, and 1 bronze medals.

#1 – Ole Einar Bjorndalen

The most decorated Winter Olympian of all-time is Ole Einar Bjorndalen. The Norwegian Biathlon athlete totaled 13 medals, with 8 of them being gold. In the Biathlon World Championships, Ole has also dominated with 40 medals in 20 appearances. There may be more to come from this amazing man in 2022.