Tove Alexandersson Faces First Loss at O-ringen 2025
Tove Alexandersson suffers her first O-ringen loss as Simona Aebersold wins the event.
Key Points
- • Tove Alexandersson lost O-ringen for the first time in her career.
- • Simona Aebersold won the O-ringen, ending Alexandersson's streak.
- • Alexandersson recently tied Simone Niggli's record with 23 World Championship golds.
- • Emil Svensk won the men's category at O-ringen.
In a surprising turn of events at the 2025 O-ringen orienteering competition, Swedish champion Tove Alexandersson experienced her first-ever defeat. The event saw Simona Aebersold from Switzerland clinching victory, marking a significant end to Alexandersson's remarkable winning streak.
Alexandersson, known for her dominance in the sport, had recently tied the all-time record of 23 World Championship golds held by Simone Niggli. However, despite her recent success, she was unable to secure a win at O-ringen, which is a major highlight in the orienteering calendar. Aebersold described her performance as unexpected but thrilling, stating, "When I came here, I didn't know how my form would be a week after the World Championships, and to see that my form is so good is very exciting and makes me really happy."
In the men’s category, Swedish athlete Emil Svensk emerged victorious after maintaining his lead from the first stage of the competition. He expressed his relief and joy, noting, "It’s a relief. I have been in the lead since the first stage. But I have kept it together and been chased by the fast runners behind me. So it’s a joy and a relief."
This year’s O-ringen has marked a pivotal moment in the orienteering landscape, highlighting the potential for emerging challengers like Aebersold, while also showcasing the continuing excellence of Swedish competitors like Svensk. The news of Alexandersson's loss resonates across the sporting community, signifying the end of an exceptional era in her career.