Frida Karlsson's Olympic Participation Uncertain Amid Swedish Ski Team Illness

Frida Karlsson, a key athlete on Sweden's cross-country skiing team, is currently isolated due to mild cold symptoms and has foregone training ahead of the femmilen race at the 2026 Winter Olympics. SVT expert Anna J Haag expressed concern, indicating there is only a 50/50 chance Karlsson will be able to race, underscoring the Swedish team's health challenges.

The women's femmilen team, officially comprising Karlsson, Ebba Andersson, Jonna Sundling, and Emma Ribom, faces difficulties as two other team members, Linn Svahn and Truls Gisselman, have already returned to Sweden due to illness, leaving no reserves in Italy. Svahn was removed from the team after falling ill with a mild cold just before the team sprint event and expressed disappointment at missing the competition. Moa Ilar also opted out, citing an inability to reach peak form. These developments significantly impact the Swedish team's readiness and depth for the event.

National team chief Anders Byström highlighted the challenges, noting that despite reaching out to other athletes, preparations were hampered by these health setbacks. The men's team lineup includes William Poromaa, Gustaf Berglund, Calle Halfvarsson, and Johan Häggström.

The current situation casts uncertainty over Sweden's performance prospects, with Karlsson's participation hanging in the balance as the team navigates these health issues in the crucial days before the femmilen race.