BEIJING, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Norway enjoyed a golden day across multiple disciplines at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on Tuesday, while Italy thrilled home fans by claiming gold in the short track speed skating mixed team relay, one of the most anticipated events of the day.

China narrowly missed the podium, placing fourth in 2:39.601. The Chinese team of Gong Li, Zhang Chutong, Liu Shaoang and Sun Long led early after an aggressive opening by Zhang, but an exchange error allowed Italy back in front. In the closing laps, China was passed by Canada and Belgium.

Norway's dominance in the day was highlighted by Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo's victory in the men's cross-country skiing sprint classic.

In biathlon, Olympic debutant Johan-Olav Botn delivered a flawless shooting performance to win the men's 20-kilometer individual in 51:31.5.

Norway also topped the podium in the men's freestyle skiing slopestyle event, where Birk Ruud secured gold with a decisive opening run of 86.28 points.

Austria produced one of the day's biggest surprises in alpine skiing, as Ariane Raedler and Katharina Huber claimed gold in the women's team combined event.

Germany also celebrated gold, with Julia Taubitz winning the women's singles luge.

China recorded a historic result in the event, as Wang Peixuan finished 21st to post the country's best-ever Olympic placing.

In ski jumping, Slovenia, led by siblings Nika and Domen Prevc, successfully defended its title in the mixed team event. The Slovenian team dominated throughout to claim its first ski jumping gold of the Games.

The final gold medal of the day came in the mixed doubles curling, where Sweden's sibling duo Isabella and Rasmus Wranaa staged a late comeback to edge the United States 6-5, delivering under pressure in the final end to seal the victory.