VAL DI FIEMME – All eyes will be on Swedish cross-contry skier Frida Karlsson as the Olympic Winter games in Milan/Cortina officially begin this weekend.Karlsson is a strong medal contender in Saturday’s women’s 20km skiathlon, having diligently trained on the Val di Fiemme courses in preparation for the competition. The 26-year-old athlete already has a decorated career, including a bronze medal from the 2022 Olympic relay and a remarkable 13 medals from World Championships.
VAL DI FIEMME – Frida Karlsson is poised to be a top contender for a medal when the Olympic cross-country skiing competition begins in Milan/Cortina on Saturday with the women’s 20km skiathlon.
The Swedish star has been intensely focused on training in the Val di Fiemme courses in the days leading up to the Games, signaling her readiness for the challenge.
Currently, Karlsson’s Olympic resume includes a bronze medal in the relay, but she boasts an impressive 13 medals from World Championship events.
Karlsson first burst onto the scene at the World Championships. At the 2019 World Championships in Seefeld, the 26-year-old surprisingly claimed a silver medal in the 10km classic race.
Just 19 years old at the time and still a junior competitor, only Therese Johaug finished ahead of her that day. Karlsson also contributed to the Swedish team’s gold medal in the relay and added a bronze in the 30km event.
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Johaug Recognized Karlsson’s Potential
In the Expressen podcast “Frida vs. Ebba – The Succession,” Karlsson reflects on her breakthrough in Seefeld and the subsequent celebration.
“It was just a perfect hit. You know, a long shot that goes in. Like, the odds were pretty high here,” Karlsson said of her unexpected World Championship silver.
The Swedish skier’s performance quickly turned heads, and veteran Therese Johaug was already taking notice.
BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE: Frida Karlsson’s three medals at the 2019 World Championships in Seefeld launched her onto the international stage.
Photo: Joel Marklund (Bildbyrån)
“You had heard and read a lot about Frida Karlsson. That she would be the new successor to Charlotte Kalla and the new big superstar,” Johaug explained.
Those predictions proved accurate. After three medals in her first senior championship, Karlsson celebrated her triumphs.
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Johaug Recalls a Night Out with Karlsson
Cross-country skiers aren’t known for frequenting nightclubs, but when they do, the celebrations can be memorable. Several athletes have shared stories of lively nights.
Johaug and the Swedish team found themselves at a club in Seefeld that night, and Johaug witnessed Karlsson in high spirits.
“She wasn’t sober, that’s for sure!” Johaug said with a laugh.
“But neither was I, so we found each other there. Yeah, we shook it up on the dance floor and had some fun,” she added.
Karlsson also described a fun night out in Seefeld.
“Very lively, I would say. It’s a pretty fitting description. A little wild and very lively,” she said, followed by a laugh.
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A Night to Remember
Langrenn skiers are not typically known for their partying, but when they do, it tends to be a big event. Several athletes have confirmed this.
Just a few months ago, Johaug shared a wild story about a night of partying after the World Championships in Trondheim. According to teammate Kristin Austgulen Fosnæs, that’s often how it goes after major competitions.
“Yes, unfortunately that’s often the case. It often ends early for many, you could say,” she said with a smile to Nettavisen earlier this year.
Teammate Erik Valnes agreed.
“It’s that overexertion that’s a well-known phenomenon, especially after championships and so on, because there’s so much to celebrate and the tolerance is certainly not the highest,” he said.
However, partying will be limited for the cross-country skiers in the coming weeks. The Olympics begin on Saturday with the women’s skiathlon, followed by the men’s race on Sunday.
