DAEHLIE, BJRN

born June 19, 1967, Rholt, Nor. Norwegian cross-country skier who owns the Winter Olympic records for the most medals won and the most gold medals. His Olympic success, combined with his record in World Cup competition and world championships, marked him as one of the greatest Nordic skiers of all time. Involved in many sports growing up, Daehlie was not serious about cross-country ski racing until his mid-teens and did not compete at the world level until 1987. Daehlie won a total of 12 Olympic medals, including 8 gold and 4 silver. His 8 gold medals came at the 1992 Olympics in Albertville, France (combined pursuit, 50-km race, and 410-km relay), the 1994 Games in Lillehammer, Norway (10-km race and combined pursuit), and the 1998 Games in Nagano, Japan (10-km race, 50-km race, and 410-km relay). The silver medals were earned at the same Games; in 1992 he won one silver medal (30-km event), in 1994 he won two (30-km race and 410-km relay), and in 1998 he won one (15-km race). Along with his Olympic success, Daehlie dominated international skiing between 1992 and 1999, piling up 6 overall World Cup titles and 14 world championship gold medals and earning the nickname "Rocketman."