TESERO, Italy – Frida Karlsson of Sweden claimed gold in the women’s skiathlon at the opening day of cross-country skiing at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Karlsson’s dominant performance saw her finish over 50 seconds ahead of teammate Ebba Andersson, securing a one-two finish for Sweden. Norway’s Heidi Weng rounded out the podium, taking bronze.
The race began with a leading quartet of Karlsson, Andersson, Jonna Sundling (Sweden) and Astrid Oeyre Slind (Norway). Sundling was the first to fall off the pace, and Slind began to struggle after the ski exchange. Karlsson then made her decisive move, accelerating to build a commanding lead and ultimately securing the gold medal.
The victory marks a significant milestone in Karlsson’s career, arguably her biggest success to date. She appeared unfazed by the challenging, wet snow conditions, executing a flawless ski exchange in the two-style race. Karlsson’s confidence was evident as she grabbed a Swedish flag before crossing the finish line, embracing Andersson immediately afterward.
“That was when the moment hit me,” Karlsson reportedly said, according to sources.
While the Swedish team celebrated a resounding success, the day wasn’t without its drama. Following the medal ceremony, a bizarre incident occurred involving Andersson’s newly won silver medal. The medal unexpectedly broke apart while she was celebrating with Karlsson.
“It was really stupid,” Andersson told Swedish public television SVT. “I ran after Frida and in the rush, the medal fell apart into several pieces and landed in the snow. Now I hope the organizers have a plan B in case of broken medals.”
Andersson attempted to repair the medal but found it impossible, as a crucial piece was missing. “I was going to fix it, but one part flew off in a completely different direction and I couldn’t find it, it’s probably still somewhere out there. Eventually, we gave up,” she added.
The incident, while unfortunate, was met with good humor by Andersson. It occurred on a day that was already memorable for Sweden, marking a strong start to the cross-country skiing events at the Milan Cortina Games.
Andersson entered the race as a strong contender for gold, having won the skiathlon at the World Championships in both Planica in and Trondheim in . However, she faced a formidable opponent in Karlsson, who had previously secured silver medals at the World Championships in Planica and Oberstdorf in .
The race also saw challenges for American star Jessie Diggins, who experienced a mishap early on. Diggins struggled to regain her position after the fall, ultimately finishing eighth. The wet snow conditions proved difficult for many competitors, adding to the challenge of the demanding skiathlon course.
Karlsson’s victory solidifies her position as a leading force in cross-country skiing and sets the stage for an exciting competition throughout the remainder of the Milan Cortina Olympics. The Swedish team’s strong performance signals their intent to dominate the cross-country events, while other nations will look to challenge their supremacy in the days to come.
The skiathlon, a grueling combination of classic and freestyle skiing, tests athletes’ versatility and endurance. Karlsson’s ability to excel in both techniques proved decisive, allowing her to pull away from the competition and secure the gold medal. The race highlighted the demanding nature of cross-country skiing and the importance of technical skill and physical conditioning.
The incident with Andersson’s medal, while lighthearted, serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the importance of preparedness. Organizers will undoubtedly review procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring that athletes receive their hard-earned medals in pristine condition.
