Damkronorna's Heartbreaking Overtime Loss in Olympic Bronze Match Highlights Team's Progress

The Swedish women's national ice hockey team, Damkronorna, faced a dramatic defeat in the bronze medal match at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, losing to Switzerland in overtime and leaving the tournament without a medal. The intense contest was decided less than a minute into overtime, leading to celebration among the Swiss players and a somber mood for Sweden. Player Hanna Olsson expressed deep disappointment, saying, "It will feel empty. Curtain. I am very sad," capturing the emotional toll on the team.

Despite the loss, ice hockey expert Maria Rooth highlighted the team's significant progress. Rooth noted that Damkronorna's finish in the top four worldwide marks a major step forward for Swedish women's ice hockey. She described the loss as "jättesurt" (very bitter) but emphasized satisfaction with the team’s overall performance throughout the Olympics. While acknowledging that the team did not perform at their best in this last crucial game, Rooth praised their advancement on the international stage.

This match underscores both the heartbreak of narrowly missing out on an Olympic medal and the positive trajectory of Sweden's women's ice hockey program. Damkronorna's competitive spirit and rise to a top-four global position set a promising foundation for the future, even as the disappointing loss stings.