Jonna Sundling Shines with Decisive Victory in Oberhof Sprint

Jonna Sundling delivered a dominant performance at the World Cup sprint event in Oberhof on January 17, 2026, securing her third World Cup victory of the season and demonstrating clear superiority on a challenging course. Sundling, aged 31, completed the sprint in 2 minutes, 43.792 seconds, creating a substantial lead in the final and winning decisively ahead of Germany's Coletta Rydzek and fellow Swede Maja Dahlqvist, who finished third. Moa Ilar also impressed by reaching her best sprint result in fifth place.

The Oberhof course is known for its short, fast, and demanding nature, compounded by dropping temperatures that made conditions tricky. Sundling praised her skis and physical condition, noting, "It was a short and fast course, and it became a bit tricky as the temperature dropped on the track. However, I think I had good skis and a good body. So it was a really great day." She added that the sprint served as a strong confirmation of her form moving toward the upcoming Milano/Cortina Olympics.

Maja Dahlqvist, who is now leading the overall sprint World Cup standings, experienced a tense moment when called to the jury room over a possible race incident involving another skier. The jury cleared her, allowing her to retain third place and celebrate alongside Sundling. Dahlqvist commented on her leadership in the sprint cup, saying, "Now I will try to keep this as long as I can."

Sundling's race strategy involved maintaining the lead to avoid complications during knockout rounds, highlighting her experience and tactical acumen. The strong results from the Swedish women’s team, including Moa Ilar’s breakthrough fifth-place finish, signal a positive outlook for Sweden’s cross-country skiing squad as they prepare for the Olympic Games.

Overall, Sundling’s Oberhof triumph under difficult conditions reinforces her status as one of the sport’s leading sprinters heading into the critical Olympic season.