At the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the world watched as Vermont’s own Ben Ogden didn’t just compete, he rewrote history. As Ben’s proud nutrition sponsor (and neighbor!) we’ve had a front-row seat to the grit, the “Benny Shuffle,” and the meticulous training and fueling that powered him to a historic Individual Sprint Silver Medal.
This wasn’t just a podium finish; it was the first time an American man has medaled in Olympic cross-country skiing since 1976. (Notably, that medal was earned by his childhood friend and mentor, Bill Koch!) But how do you survive one of the most punishing sprint courses in the world to reach that final straightaway? It’s a game of chess played at maximum effort.
Phase 1: The Qualifier – Efficiency is Everything
The day began with individual time trials. In a field of the world’s best, Ben laid down a statement by qualifying 2nd fastest, right behind the legendary Johannes Høsflot Klæbo.
- The Strategy: High-octane speed without redlining too early. Additionally a good qualifying time earns Ben better heat placement, a cleaner path through the bracket, plus confirmation that he’s got the speed on race day
- The Fueling: Pre-race hydration and fast-acting carbohydrates, but energy for the long haul. In a sprint day that lasts hours, Ben’s nutrition plan is all about topping up glycogen stores between rounds without causing digestive distress.
Ben keeps Salted Cinnamon Spice in his pack for on-the-go fueling, and gets an extra boost from the caffeine in the Coffee UnTapped!
Photo: @VermontCorey
Phase 2: The Quarterfinals – Making a Move
It’s no longer about the clock, it’s about tactics. Ben dominated his quarterfinal heat, utilizing his signature “Benny Shuffle” to explode up the steep inclines on course. By hitting the gas on the final climb, he dramatically distanced himself from the pack, crossing the line first to punch his ticket to the semis.
Phase 3: The Semifinals – The “Lucky Loser” Grit
The semifinals are where the pressure peaks. Ben faced a brutal heat, finishing in a photo-finish for 3rd place. While he didn’t get the automatic qualification to the finals, his blistering pace in the semis earned him a spot in the finals as a “Lucky Loser.”
“I’ve had some really tough races, teaching myself to believe through all that and be confident in myself,” Ben noted after the event. That mental resilience is fueled by physical preparation.
Phase 4: The Final – 50 Years in the Making
Standing on the start line of the Olympic Final, Ben looked cool, calm, and collected. When the gun went off, it almost immediately became a three-man battle: Klæbo, Vike, and Ogden.
On the final, lung-busting uphill, Ben unleashed everything. He went toe-to-toe with the greatest sprinter of all time, sticking to Klæbo’s ski tails in dramatic fashion. As they rounded into the finishing stretch, Ben’s power was undeniable. He crossed the line in 3:40.61, just 0.8 seconds behind gold, securing the Silver Medal and ending a 50-year drought for Team USA.
What Fuels a Silver Medalist?
Cross-country sprinting is unique because it requires multiple “all-out” efforts over several hours. To keep Ben’s engine running from the morning qualifier to the afternoon final, he focused on:
- Rapid Recovery: Consuming carbs and electrolytes immediately after each heat.
- Sustained Energy: Ensuring his blood glucose remained stable during the long waits between rounds.
- The “Backflip” Factor: You need a little extra spark for those post-race celebrations!
All natural electrolytes and easy on the stomach – Ginger Mapleaid is one of Ben’s Favorites.
Photo: @carterwhall
We are incredibly proud to support Ben Ogden as he continues to inspire the next generation of American skiers. From the woods of Landgrove, Vermont to the podium in Italy, the journey is just beginning.