Ebba Andersson Secures Olympic Gold in Women’s 50km Cross-Country Skiing

Tesero, Italy – February 22, 2026 – Ebba Andersson of Sweden claimed the gold medal in the women’s 50km mass start classic cross-country ski race at the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking a triumphant moment after a challenging team relay event.

Redemption for Andersson

This victory serves as redemption for Andersson, following a crash during the team relay that cost Sweden a gold medal. ESPN reports that Andersson pulled away from the pack to secure the win.

Race Results

Norway’s Heidi Weng finished with the silver medal, while Switzerland’s Nadja Kaelin took the bronze after a close sprint to the finish line. Olympics.com details the exciting conclusion to the race.

Diggins Finishes Fifth

American skier Jessie Diggins competed in a sprint for the bronze medal but ultimately finished fifth, unable to maintain pace on the final climb.

Sweden’s Dominance in Women’s Cross-Country Skiing

Andersson’s gold medal represents the fifth cross-country gold for Sweden at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. Sweden won every women’s cross-country ski event except for the 4 x 7.5-kilometer relay, where they secured a silver medal. Andersson as well previously won two individual silver medals in the skiathlon and the 10-kilometer interval start.

Absences from the Swedish Team

Sweden’s Frida Karlsson, who had won the skiathlon and 10-kilometer freestyle, did not race due to illness. Jonna Sundling was also absent due to a cold, according to AP News. Both Karlsson and Sundling were part of the Swedish team that won silver in the relay alongside Andersson.