Swedish Olympic Team Hit by Illness as Key Athletes Withdraw from 50km Race

Val di Fiemme, Italy – February 23, 2026 – The Swedish cross-country ski team is facing a challenging situation at the Winter Olympics in Val di Fiemme as illness has forced several key athletes to withdraw from competition, most notably the women’s 50km race. Frida Karlsson, a leading gold medal contender, and Jonna Sundling have both been sidelined due to cold symptoms, significantly impacting Sweden’s chances in the event.

Karlsson and Sundling Out of 50km Race

Frida Karlsson was already battling a cold, with symptoms first appearing on Friday, leading to her withdrawal from the 50km race. Göteborgs-Posten reported that Karlsson had a fever and, after further evaluation, the decision was made for her to not compete.

Jonna Sundling began experiencing cold symptoms on Saturday, developing a cough and feeling unwell. Aftonbladet confirmed that Sundling will also miss the 50km race. She had previously competed in the team sprint, but her condition deteriorated, making participation in the longer distance impossible.

Limited Swedish Representation

The illnesses have left Sweden with a significantly reduced team for the women’s 50km race, with only Ebba Andersson and Emma Ribom currently slated to compete. National team doctor Rickard Noberius stated that he would not add athletes to the starting line simply to fill the quota. Langd.se reported on the limited team size.

On the men’s side, William Poromaa has also been forced to withdraw due to illness, leaving Sweden with only three starters in the men’s 50km race.

Preventative Measures and Concerns

The Swedish team had implemented measures to minimize the risk of infection, including isolating athletes and limiting contact with others. However, these efforts proved insufficient. Noberius acknowledged the difficulty in pinpointing the source of the outbreak, speculating it could have come from various sources, including media interactions or doping controls. Sweden Herald detailed the doctor’s comments on the situation.

Noberius also suggested that a more extreme approach – essentially quarantining the athletes – could have prevented the spread, but deemed it unreasonable for their well-being and performance.

Other Swedish Athletes Affected

Several other Swedish athletes were sent home prior to the illnesses, including Linn Svahn, Moa Ilar, and Maja Dahlqvist. While Svahn had recovered from a previous cold, she was sent home before the five-mile race.

Looking Ahead

The Swedish team will need to regroup and focus on the remaining events of the Winter Olympics. The situation highlights the challenges athletes face in maintaining health during major competitions and the importance of robust preventative measures.