Linn Svahn Dominates in Comeback Sprint Victory Ahead of 2026 Winter Olympics

Linn Svahn made a striking return to competitive skiing by winning the sprint event at the recent World Cup in Switzerland, her first victory this season. She was the fastest in both the qualifying round and the final, outperforming strong contenders including her Swedish teammates Maja Dahlqvist and Emma Ribom. Dahlqvist finished fourth and Ribom sixth in the final. Svahn's dominant performance comes just ten days before the Winter Olympics in Italy, marking a significant boost after a season hindered by disruptions.

The competition served as a crucial final test for athletes before the Olympics. The Swedish women's team for this season's World Cup was smaller than usual, with key stars Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson skipping the event to focus on Olympic preparations. Despite this, Svahn's victory highlights her readiness and the strength of the team heading into the Games.

In the qualifying round, Svahn was the fastest skier, making a strong case for her sprint event selection at the Olympics. Emma Ribom, returning from illness, finished 20th in qualifying but advanced with the rest of the Swedish women, including Moa Ilar (5th) and Maja Dahlqvist (9th). Svahn herself reflected on the race, saying, "Damn, that was tough," and expressing happiness about returning to form after a challenging year. She called the track one of her favorites on the World Cup circuit.

Norwegian expert Torgeir Björn praised Svahn's ability, stating, "When everything aligns for Linn Svahn, she is the best in the world." The competition for Sweden's four Olympic sprint spots remains fierce, involving the top finishers from this event and other strong contenders such as Jonna Sundling and Johanna Hagström.

Svahn looks ahead positively, emphasizing the strength of the Swedish team and readiness to finalize preparations in the coming weeks. The Swiss World Cup event will conclude with mass start races, but the focus now shifts firmly to the Winter Olympics beginning in early February in Val di Fiemme, Italy.