Norway’s dominance at Winter Games based on tradition, depth and development

By BRIAN MELLEY and DEREK GATOPOULOS TESERO, Italy — Outside the Olympic cross-country stadium in this Dolomite mountain town, Norwegian flags have been draped over the railings like bunting on a national holiday. Fans from the Scandinavian country have set up camp nearby and kept a live tally of medals won by their athletes at the Milan Cortina Games. After every victory, a gold sticker is pressed onto the board. There have been plenty to add: Norway is now unequaled when it comes to winter gold. Johannes Dale-Skjevdal hit...