Frida Karlsson Dominates with Multiple Golds at 2026 Winter Olympics

Swedish cross-country skier Frida Karlsson has solidified her status as the queen of skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina by claiming multiple gold medals with dominant performances. On February 12, Karlsson won the 10-kilometer freestyle event with a commanding lead, finishing over 40 seconds ahead of her competitors. She took the lead early and never relinquished it, ending the race with a 40-second advantage over silver medalist Ebba Andersson and bronze winner Jessie Diggins. Karlsson expressed her exhilaration, saying, "It is just so much fun to ski right now. I feel so alive." Andersson, who earned her second consecutive silver, described the challenge of pacing herself and the exhaustion she felt toward the end.

Karlsson's triumph in the 10 km marked her second Olympic gold medal in the games, with her earlier victory in Val di Fiemme also earning widespread acclaim. Her dominance has drawn praise from notable figures, including King Carl Gustaf, who lauded the camaraderie and spirit of the athletes after witnessing a heartfelt moment where Iranian skier Samaneh Beyrami Baher, who finished 98th, embraced Karlsson and Andersson. The King called it "delightful to see the wonderful brotherhood," highlighting sportsmanship beyond competition results.

Karlsson is on track to make history, with the potential to become the first Swedish athlete since 1912 to win three gold medals in a single Olympics. Her current tally places her in the company of Swedish skiing legends such as Gunde Svan and Thomas Wassberg, each of whom has four Olympic golds. Meanwhile, American favorite Jessie Diggins faced setbacks due to injuries, finishing with bronze and conceding Karlsson's supremacy during the games.

While Ebba Andersson has provided strong support for Sweden’s success with multiple silver medals, she has encountered media pressure regarding comparisons with Karlsson, underscoring the competitive spirit within the Swedish team. The 2026 Winter Olympics thus far has seen Sweden excel notably in cross-country skiing, with Karlsson's outstanding achievements at the forefront.

With at least two races still to come, the world watches eagerly as Frida Karlsson seeks to cement her legacy as one of Sweden's greatest Olympians.