Sweden takes the top two spots in women’s skiathlon as Frida Karlsson wins gold and Ebba Andersson silver at Milano Cortina Games. Full results, stats, and analysis.
Sweden takes the top two spots in women’s skiathlon — a historic moment in cross-country skiing — as Frida Karlsson delivered a dominant performance to claim gold at the Milano Cortina Winter Games in Tesero, Italy. Her teammate Ebba Andersson secured the silver medal, completing a remarkable Swedish one-two finish in the first women’s cross-country race of the Games.
The 20-kilometer skiathlon (10km classic + 10km freestyle) is widely regarded as one of the most physically demanding events in Olympic cross-country skiing. It tests endurance, pacing, technique transition, and race tactics. Sweden not only passed the test — they controlled the race from start to finish.
Karlsson crossed the finish line 51 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher, even grabbing the Swedish flag and waving to the crowd before finishing — a rare luxury in an endurance event typically decided by seconds.
How the Race Unfolded
Classic Segment (10km): Tactical and Controlled
The race began cautiously, with a tight lead pack dominated by Scandinavian skiers — Sweden and Norway. Karlsson and Andersson skied side-by-side for most of the classic portion, conserving energy and avoiding early surges.
The classic portion is crucial because over-exertion early can destroy an athlete’s freestyle performance later. Sweden executed a perfect strategy:
- No unnecessary attacks
- Controlled tempo
- Strong ski waxing preparation
Four skiers formed the lead group at the halfway point, but observers already noticed Sweden looked the most comfortable.
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Freestyle Segment (10km): Karlsson Breaks Away
The decisive moment came immediately after the ski change. Once athletes switched to freestyle (skating technique), Karlsson accelerated dramatically.
Within just a few kilometers:
- The lead pack broke apart
- Andersson followed but couldn’t match Karlsson’s pace
- Norway’s Heidi Weng focused on protecting bronze
Karlsson’s technique efficiency was the difference. Her glide phase was longer, and she conserved upper-body energy for the final climbs.
By the last lap, the race was no longer a contest — it was a celebration.
“That was the moment when it hit me. I was like, ‘OK, this is for real,’” Karlsson said after the race.
She finished so far ahead she had time to pick up the Swedish flag before crossing the line.
Podium Finishers
| Position | Athlete | Country | Time Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Frida Karlsson | Sweden | Winner |
| Silver | Ebba Andersson | Sweden | +51 sec |
| Bronze | Heidi Weng | Norway | +1:27 |
Race Statistics
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Women’s Skiathlon |
| Distance | 20 km |
| Format | 10km Classic + 10km Freestyle |
| Location | Tesero, Italy |
| Total Starters | 60+ athletes |
| Winning Margin | 51 seconds |
| Largest gap to bronze | 1 min 27 sec |
Karlsson’s Career Breakthrough
Although Karlsson has long been considered one of cross-country skiing’s brightest talents, this victory marks her first individual Olympic gold medal.
Previously:
- Bronze medal — Women’s relay (Beijing 2022)
- Multiple World Championship podiums
- Rising World Cup contender
Interestingly, she entered the Games ranked 25th in the overall World Cup standings, making this victory even more surprising.
Karlsson credited her team:
“I had so much fun out there today and I am really proud of my whole team. The skis were super and the body felt amazing.”
In cross-country skiing, equipment preparation (waxing and ski selection) can decide races as much as physical fitness — and Sweden’s technicians clearly delivered.
Ebba Andersson: The Perfect Teammate Race
Ebba Andersson skied a near-perfect tactical race. Rather than chasing Karlsson recklessly, she managed her effort and secured silver safely.
Her pacing strategy:
- Stay in lead group early
- Avoid burnout during climbs
- Defend position in freestyle
She resisted pressure from Norway’s Heidi Weng and comfortably held second.
Heidi Weng Secures Bronze for Norway
Norway avoided a medal shutout thanks to Heidi Weng. She struggled in the classic portion but came alive in freestyle.
“I didn’t have such a good race in the classic part, but in the skating part, I had so much power,” Weng said.
Her comeback showcased why freestyle specialists remain dangerous in skiathlon events.
Jessie Diggins Crash Changes the Race
One of the biggest storylines: American favorite Jessie Diggins crashed early on a downhill turn, taking down Norway’s Karoline Simpson-Larsen.
The fall cost crucial momentum.
- 14th after classic section
- Strong freestyle recovery
- Finished 8th overall
Diggins explained the problem wasn’t injury but lost speed.
“It was a tough spot where you lose all your momentum.”
Without the crash, analysts believe she could have challenged for bronze.
Why Sweden Dominated
Several factors explain why Sweden takes the top two spots in women’s skiathlon:
1. Perfect Ski Preparation
Wax technicians matched skis perfectly to snow conditions.
2. Smart Team Tactics
No early attacks — they waited for the freestyle segment.
3. Conditioning
Swedish skiers maintained higher tempo in climbs and transitions.
4. Freestyle Efficiency
Karlsson’s skating technique was technically superior.
Historical Significance
The result is one of Sweden’s strongest cross-country performances in Olympic history.
Key achievements:
- First Swedish 1-2 finish in women’s Olympic skiathlon
- Largest winning margin in recent Olympic skiathlon history
- Karlsson’s first individual Olympic medal
This victory also signals a shift in women’s cross-country skiing, long dominated by Norway.
Impact on the Rest of the Games
The result immediately makes Sweden the favorite in upcoming events:
- Women’s relay
- 10km individual start
- Mass start
Confidence matters in endurance sports — and Sweden now holds psychological momentum.
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FAQs
1. Why did Sweden takes the top two spots in women’s skiathlon?
Sweden takes the top two spots in women’s skiathlon due to superior ski preparation, strong pacing tactics, and Frida Karlsson’s dominant freestyle performance.
2. Who won when Sweden takes the top two spots in women’s skiathlon?
Frida Karlsson won gold while Ebba Andersson secured silver for Sweden.
3. What distance is the event where Sweden takes the top two spots in women’s skiathlon?
The skiathlon is a 20km race consisting of 10km classic and 10km freestyle skiing.
4. How big was the victory margin when Sweden takes the top two spots in women’s skiathlon?
Karlsson won by 51 seconds, a huge margin for Olympic cross-country skiing.
5. Did any other contenders challenge Sweden takes the top two spots in women’s skiathlon?
Jessie Diggins was a contender but crashed early and finished eighth, while Heidi Weng of Norway took bronze.
