Swedish Cross-Country Skiers Gear Up for 2026 Winter Olympics with Tour de Ski and Festive Spirits

As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina approach, Swedish cross-country skiers are intensifying their preparations, combining competition and festive celebrations. The 20th Tour de Ski will run in Italy from December 28 to January 4, featuring Sweden's top athletes such as Ebba Andersson, Maja Dahlqvist, Frida Karlsson, and Edvin Anger. While Jonna Sundling has opted out—typical in championship years—other Olympic qualifiers will compete, helping fine-tune their Olympic readiness. This year's Tour includes a new race format with a 5-kilometer masstart on New Year's Eve, offering an Olympic rehearsal in the Val di Fiemme sprint.

Maja Dahlqvist and Emma Ribom celebrate securing their Olympic spots amidst dual Christmas traditions, blending Swedish and American customs. Dahlqvist, who recently triumphed over Jessie Diggins in a distance race, expressed excitement about spending Christmas in Seiser Alm, Italy, with her boyfriend, while Ribom plans to observe Swedish holiday traditions in Davos with her partner. Ribom reflected on her growth over the past year, noting a significant personal transformation.

Additionally, hockey legend Henrik Lundqvist is enjoying Christmas in Sweden before serving as an expert commentator for SVT and TV4 at the upcoming Olympics. After a long NHL career, he emphasizes the importance of returning home for the holidays and looks forward to covering Sweden's hockey matches in Milan.

This blend of competition, personal reflection, and holiday traditions highlights the Swedish athletes' comprehensive approach to preparing for the Winter Olympics.