With the 2026 Winter Olympics recently concluding in Northern Italy, the final medals awarded came in the Games’ ultimate endurance tests: the men’s and women’s 50km cross-country ski races. As the kings and queens of snow took centre stage, it sparked a debate on our side of the sporting world. Which open water swimmer has the engine, strength and race intelligence to trade waves for waxed skis and dominate over 50 kilometres? We have our opinions — now we want yours.
In Milano-Cortina, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo delivered one of the most dominant performances in Winter Olympic history, completing a perfect six-for-six gold medal sweep in the men’s cross-country events. His final victory in the 50km was arguably the most punishing.
Klæbo and two Norwegian teammates shattered the field early, setting an unforgiving tempo across the undulating course in Val di Fiemme. On the decisive final climb, Klæbo unleashed his trademark change of speed, breaking clear to claim the final gold medal of the Games.
On the women’s side, Ebba Andersson etched her name into Olympic history, winning the inaugural women’s 50km — the first time female competitors contested the historic distance at the Winter Games. When Andersson surged away from the lead pack, it also offered redemption after her dramatic crash and broke her ski in the team relay, where Sweden fought back to secure silver.
Now we turn from snow to sea.
Which male and female open water swimmers possess that same relentless engine, tactical patience and late-race firepower? Who could handle 50 kilometres of snow as comfortably as 10 kilometres of open water?
Cast your vote below and back your men's and women's open water endurance champions.