Sweden Makes Olympic History with Triple Medal Sweep in Women's Sprint Cross-Country Skiing

At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Sweden achieved an unprecedented feat in the women's sprint cross-country skiing event, capturing all three medals with Linn Svahn taking gold, Jonna Sundling silver, and Maja Dahlqvist bronze. This landmark victory marks the first time in Olympic history that three Swedish women have stood together on the podium in a sprint event.

The historic podium sweep was highlighted by Svahn's strong performance, prevailing over tough competition including Norway's Kristine Stavås Skistad and American Julia Kern. All three medalists advanced from the sprint prologue held in Val di Fiemme, showcasing the strength and depth of the Swedish women’s team. However, teammate Johanna Hagström, despite a promising start, was eliminated in the quarterfinals and voiced her disappointment concerning comparisons made between her and fellow competitor Emma Ribom.

This achievement is especially notable because Sweden’s last complete Olympic podium sweep happened nearly a century ago, in the 1928 five-mile race in Saint-Moritz. The Swedish women’s triple medal haul in 2026 not only signifies a historic team accomplishment but also reaffirms Sweden’s prominence in the sport.

In stark contrast, the men's sprint final saw Norway’s Johannes Hösflot Kläbo claiming the gold, with no Swedish male skiers reaching the final stage. This juxtaposition underscores the exceptional performance of the Swedish women and the historic nature of their victory at these Games.

This momentous occasion has captivated Swedish sports fans and solidified Sweden’s legacy in Olympic cross-country skiing history.