Johannes Høsflot Klæbo crosses the finish line first to win the men's sprint free for the second Winter Olympics in a row ©Getty Images

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo became the first cross-country skier to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in men’s sprint free as he triumphed at the Winter Olympics here.

The Norwegian has dominated the discipline this season and proved too strong for his rivals at the National Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Zhangjiakou.

Klæbo posted a time of 2min 58.06sec as he claimed his fourth Olympic gold of his career following his hat-trick of titles at Pyeongchang 2018.

Federico Pellegrino of Italy came second in 2:58.32, while Alexander Terentev of the Russian Olympic Committee finished third in 2:59.37.

The victory for Klæbo comes after a difficult build-up for the Norwegian team who had been hit with a spate of COVID-19 cases.

"I think it's a special moment, for sure," said Klæbo.

"Last couple of weeks has been quite stressful.

"We had some COVID in the team and my coaches are staying at home.

"So a lot of difficult times but being able to defend the Olympic gold from last time [Pyeongchang 2018], and having this amazing fight with Federico today was special.

"It was a lot of fun out there."

Jonna Sundling punches the air with delight after winning the women's sprint free at Beijing 2022 ©Getty Images
Jonna Sundling punches the air with delight after winning the women's sprint free at Beijing 2022 ©Getty Images

Klæbo was the heavy favourite to take gold having won three of the four sprint free World Cup races this season.

"The pressure has been on for sure," said Klæbo, who won golds in sprint, 4x10 kilometres relay and team sprint at Pyeongchang 2018.

"There has been a lot of talking about almost, 'I shall win this race' so being able to do that, and see that you can do it one more time [is good].

"The last six months, I have been a lot of days in the higher altitude, trying to prepare myself for these tracks and for this altitude.

"So managing to do it is for sure special."

There was a Swedish top-two in the women’s sprint free with Jonna Sundling getting the better of Maja Dahlqvist.

Sundling added Olympic gold to her world crown as she clocked a winning time of 3:09.68.

Dahlqvist had to settle for silver after crossing the finish line in 3:12.56 as Jessie Diggins bagged bronze in 3:12.84.

"It's the toughest track I have competed on," said Sundling.

"I have prepared for that, the special snow, the cold, the high altitude.

"I was a little bit worried at the beginning but after today I feel excited."

Competition is due to resume on Thursday (February 10) with the women’s 10km classic final.