Sweden’s Team Ready for 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships
Ten Swedish athletes are set to compete at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń, Poland, from March 20–22, 2026. National team captain Kajsa Bergqvist expressed satisfaction with the finalized squad, highlighting the potential for strong performances.
Squad Finalized After Initial Concerns
Bergqvist initially expressed concern over the team size, noting that Swedish teams typically consist of eleven to twelve athletes at indoor championships. Initial registrations numbered seven, but the squad expanded after athletes from other nations withdrew, creating opportunities for Swedish competitors. “We usually get around eleven, twelve active at the indoor championships, so I was a little worried when there were only seven of us. Some have had some injury concerns and others haven’t had this championship in the planning, but now it’s double digits. We are tagged and ready,” she stated.
Athletes Joining the Ranks
Khaddi Sagnia (long jump), Thobias Montler (long jump), and Vera Sjöberg (3000m) were added to the initial roster of Armand Duplantis, Axelina Johansson, Wictor Petersson, Fanny Roos, Wilma Nielsen, Samuel Pihlström, and Louise Ekman. Bergqvist emphasized the importance of reporting all athletes who met target criteria, even those initially outside the selection range, due to potential openings.
Medal Prospects and Competition
Bergqvist identified Armand Duplantis as a strong gold medal contender, acknowledging the emergence of a new challenger in Greece’s Karalis, who recently jumped 6.17 meters. Yet, she believes the competition will be stimulating for Duplantis. Beyond Duplantis, Bergqvist sees potential for other athletes to reach the podium.
“There is a very good point on the squad, but it is always very difficult to speculate about medals. We have a clear candidate in Mondo, who for the first time in a long time has a challenger in Karalis who jumped 6.17, but I think that is only stimulating for him,” Bergqvist said. “Then we have a whole bunch who are not ranked in the top three but are very close, who I hope can take the step. Both Axelina and Fanny have shown good form this year, even if they have some 20m girls ahead of them. Samuel has looked incredibly sharp this season, but it’s incredibly tight. If you are in the top eight and have the day, it can go very far.”
Swedish Squad for the World Indoor Championships
- 1,500 m: Wilma Nielsen
- 3,000 m: Vera Sjöberg, Samuel Pihlström
- Long jump: Khaddi Sagnia, Thobias Montler
- High jump: Louise Ekman
- Pole vault: Armand Duplantis
- Shot put: Axelina Johansson, Fanny Roos, Wictor Petersson
The World Athletics Indoor Championships will be held in Toruń, Poland, in the Kujawy Pomorze district. More information about the championship can be found here.