Frida Karlsson Dominates Skiathlon at 2026 Winter Olympics, Responds to Johaug's Criticism

Swedish cross-country skier Frida Karlsson delivered a stunning performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics, capturing the gold medal in the skiathlon with a commanding lead of over 46 seconds ahead of silver medalist Ebba Andersson. Anders Anders Byström, head of the Swedish national team, described Karlsson's victory as "overwhelming," emphasizing her superiority in the field, stating, "She is so superior that it should almost be impossible to win by that much on 10 kilometers. The others are just extras."

Karlsson's exceptional form has been attributed to her current injury-free status and a positive mindset, with Byström noting her "aura" of happiness coming into competition. Beyond the skiathlon, Karlsson is confirmed to compete in the upcoming women's relay on Saturday, with expectations high for her continued success.

The win came soon after Norwegian rival Therese Johaug expressed skepticism about Karlsson's consistency, highlighting her fluctuating results since the Beijing 2022 Olympics and calling her "very unstable." Johaug, however, acknowledged Karlsson as a talented athlete who enriches the Sweden-Norway rivalry. Following her gold medal victory, Karlsson humorously addressed Johaug's remarks, suggesting Johaug "changes her mind quickly," and playfully reflecting on her own four-year development.

Adding to the admiration for Karlsson's Olympic success, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden praised her as "unstoppable," underscoring her rising stature in cross-country skiing. Meanwhile, some saw Johaug minimize the significance of Karlsson's achievements by describing the attention as making a "mountain out of a molehill."

Karlsson's performance not only elevates Swedish skiing on the global stage but also symbolizes her resilience and growth as an athlete. As the Olympics continue, all eyes will be on her in the relay event, where Sweden hopes to capitalize on her dominance.