Kristian Blummenfelt's triathlon gold sparked a triumphant year for Norway © Getty Images

Therese Johaug's gold in the women's mass start cross-country race on Sunday set the seal on a remarkable period of Olympic sport for Norway which had begun with Kristian Blummenfelt's triathlon victory in Tokyo on July 27 last year. 

The Norwegian newspaper VG has analysed the statistics and concludes that with 20 gold medals in the last 209 days, this represents the most successful period of sport in Norway's history.

It also claims that Norway is the best Olympic nation in terms of population.

"We manage to combine performance level on a completely heavenly level with the joy of sports," sports manager Tore Øvrebø told Norwegian television network NRK after Johaug’s victory in Beijing.

VG examined the data from nations which won more than 10 gold medals in Tokyo and Beijing.

Although both the United States and China won more medals, it has up a league table.

Therese Johaug's cross-country gold was front-page news in Norway today ©VG
Therese Johaug's cross-country gold was front-page news in Norway today ©VG

It found that Norway, with 20 gold medals achieved by a population of 5.4 million, topped the list.

Sweden won 11 titles with a population of 10.4 million.

The Netherlands, containing 17.4 million people, returned home with 18 golds.

Norway remain the most successful nation in Winter Olympic sport since the Games were inaugurated in Chamonix 98 years ago.

More recently, Norway won most gold medals at Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018 before leading the way again in Beijing.