Norway's Ole Einar Bjoerndalen becomes most decorated Winter Olympian

Ole Einar Bjoerndalen has won at least one gold medal in four Olympic Games. (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Ole Einar Bjoerndalen is not well known in America. But the 40-year-old Norwegian is now the most decorated Winter Olympian after winning gold in the mixed relay biathlon on Wednesday — his 13th medal and eighth gold.

He was previously tied with countryman Bjoern Daehlie, a cross-country skiier.

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It was the first mixed relay in Olympic competition, and Norway finished with a time of 1:09:17. Bjoerndalen also won gold in the men's sprint biathlon in Sochi, which is his sixth Olympic Games.

His last event will come on Saturday when he and Norway try to defend their 2010 Olympic gold in the 4x7.5K men's relay.

Bjoerndalen is tied for fourth all-time in Olympic medals. Michael Phelps is first with 22, including 18 gold.

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Here is the list of the most medals won by male Winter Olympians, courtesy of the Associated Press.

13 — Ole Einar Bjorndalen, Norway, biathlon, 1994-2014 (8 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze)

12 — Bjorn Daehlie, Norway, cross-country, 1992-98 (8 gold, 4 silver)

9 — Sixten Jernberg, Sweden, cross-country, 1956-1964 (4 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze)

8 — Ricco Gross, Germany, biathlon, 1992-2006 (4 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze)

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