Egil Kristiansen Appointed New Head Coach of Swedish Men’s Cross-Country Ski Team

The Swedish men’s cross-country ski team has appointed Egil Kristiansen, a 60-year-old Norwegian coach, as their new head coach following a disappointing season where the team failed to secure any Olympic medals. Kristiansen brings an impressive coaching background, having led Norway’s women’s team from 2006 to 2016, coaching Olympic champions such as Marit Björgen and Therese Johaug, and more recently training the Norwegian men’s biathlon team until the end of the last season.

Kristiansen will co-lead the Swedish men's team alongside Lars Ljung as they prepare for major upcoming competitions, including the 2027 World Championships in Falun and the 2030 Winter Olympics in France. Lars Öberg, head of cross-country skiing in Sweden, expressed confidence in Kristiansen’s credentials, stating, "Egil has an impressive merit list and we chose him in competition with several other cross-country and biathlon nations." Öberg also highlighted Kristiansen’s expected role in continuing the progress started by former coach Anders Högberg and Ljung.

Meanwhile, Johan Granath and Ida Ingemarsdotter will remain focused on leading the women’s team until the 2030 Olympics. The Swedish Ski Federation is still searching for a new national team chief following Anders Byström's departure.

Kristiansen expressed enthusiasm about the new challenge, noting the team's promising talents and potential for improvement. This strategic coaching change aims to revitalize Sweden’s men’s ski team ahead of crucial international competitions.