Kristian Blummenfelt has posted on Instagram what appears to be the highest VO2 max ever recorded under controlled laboratory testing. The Norwegian shared results showing a VO2 max of 101.1 ml/kg/min, surpassing the previous benchmark of 97.5 ml/kg/min set by fellow Norwegian endurance athlete Oskar Svendsen. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kristian Blummenfelt (@kristianblu)Why VO2 Max MattersVO2 max reflects an athlete’s maximal aerobic capacity and is strongly correlated with endurance performance, especially at shorter distances. While long-course racing places greater emphasis on durability, efficiency, and the ability to sustain a high percentage of aerobic capacity for extended periods, an exceptional VO2 max still provides a powerful physiological ceiling. With his physiological ceiling now pushed even higher, it will be exciting to see how Blummenfelt converts it into world-class performances in 2026.