Last Wednesday, Norwegian powerhouse Kristian Blummenfelt shared what appears to be the first documented triple-digit VO2 max ever recorded under controlled laboratory testing. The value, 101 mL/kg/min, would represent a new world record for measured aerobic capacity. Although there was some skepticism by some experts about his crazy numbers, (see tweet below) it’s clear that the superstar athlete definitely has an engine.
Reports showing Kristian Blummenfelt’s VO2max at 101 https://t.co/8AcRVDX5AU.min are clearly inaccurate:
1) RER = 0.93 at max is implausible. VCO2 should exceed VO2 as the body produces H+ this is buffered by barcarbonate producing excess VCO2.
— Jamie Langley (@Jamie_langley1) January 30, 2026
We know VO2 max matters as an indicator of the upper limit of aerobic potential, but just how extraordinary is this number in real terms? To add context, we examine publicly reported VO2 max values from other elite endurance athletes. The comparison helps illustrate two important truths: VO2 max alone does not determine endurance performance, and Blummenfelt’s reported value sits at the extreme edge of documented human physiology.
Adding some context to VO2 numbers
Before diving into comparisons with elite athletes, it is helpful to establish where different populations typically fall along the VO2 max spectrum. These ranges are approximate, as VO2 max has a strong genetic component that influences both baseline values and the degree to which it can be improved through training.
Triathlete Kristian Blummenfelt says he wants to win the Tour
In general terms, a healthy recreationally active adult may record a VO2 max in the low 40s (mL/kg/min). Well-trained age-group endurance athletes often fall in the 50s or 60s. Elite endurance athletes commonly test in the 70s or 80s. Values above 90 are rare even among the world’s best. Until now, values at or above 100 have been effectively unheard of under controlled laboratory testing. (Note: These examples generally reflect male athletes, with female athletes testing lower on average due to well-established physiological differences.)
This context helps explain why Kristian Blummenfelt’s reported value has drawn such widespread attention across the endurance sport world.
Physiologically, VO2 max represents the maximal rate at which the body can uptake, transport, and utilize oxygen during exercise, often described as an athlete’s aerobic “ceiling.”…
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