Cross Country Skiing
Cross-country: Alvar Myhlback’s bold message before the sprint final: “Not afraid”
December 11, 2025 / SVT Sport
Sweden’s Alvar Myhlback says he isn’t afraid to take on Norway’s top skiers after finishing third in the Trondheim World Cup sprint. Norwegian national team coach Kristian Skrødal calls him an exceptional talent, and Norwegian media and fans are wary after his breakthrough. The article also links to SVT’s documentary series “Utan filter – längdlandslaget mot OS,” where the quote appears.
Five Russian skiers cleared to compete internationally as neutrals
December 11, 2025 / Yle
The International Ski Federation (FIS) added five more people to its list of neutral-status entrants, bringing it to 14, with ten from Belarus and four from Russia. Newly approved are Belarusian cross-country skiers Hanna Matshahina and Hanna Karalyova, support staff Aleh Bikauskih and Ilja Ramanenka, and Russian service-team member Jevgeni Uftikov. The move means Russia’s Saveli Korostelev and Darja Nepryajeva, already cleared, will have service support when they race at the Davos World Cup this weekend; both won gold at the 2022 Junior World Championships.
Cross-country: Linn Svahn after injury woes: “The spark is unchanged”
December 11, 2025 / SVT Sport
Swedish sprint star Linn Svahn reflects on years of injuries and bad luck that cost her multiple championships, including a shoulder injury at Oberstdorf 2021, missing the 2022 Olympics, and a concussion before the 2025 Worlds. Looking toward the 2026 Olympics, she says her drive to race remains intact, even as she admits worry given how previous championship plans have unraveled.
Figures show: How many times Russian skiers have been drug-tested
December 11, 2025 / SVT Sport
SVT reports that FIS says 136 out‑of‑competition tests were conducted on Russian cross-country skiers this year, a number Swedish anti‑doping expert Åke Andrén‑Sandberg calls far too low. FIS provided broader stats for 2023/24 and 2024/25 showing most tests targeted cross‑country, while Russia has been suspended from FIS events but could return under restrictions. The article highlights ongoing concerns about the adequacy of anti‑doping oversight as discussions continue about Russian athletes’ participation in international competitions.
Cross-country: Johanna Hagström dropped from the team sprint in Davos
December 11, 2025 / SVT Sport
Despite winning last weekend’s World Cup sprint in Trondheim, Johanna Hagström has not been selected for Sweden’s team sprint lineup in Davos. Sweden will field pairs Maja Dahlqvist/Jonna Sundling and Emma Ribom/Linn Svahn, while the men’s pairs are Johan Häggström/Edvin Anger and Emil Danielsson/Anton Grahn. Hagström says it’s tough not to start but will focus on being fresh for the individual sprint.
FIS clears two Russian cross-country skiers to compete as neutrals at Davos World Cup
December 10, 2025 / Yle
The International Ski Federation (FIS) has approved nine Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes in Olympic qualification events, including the Cross-Country World Cup in Davos. Russian skiers Savely Korostelev and Darja Nepryayeva are cleared to start as soon as this weekend, following CAS guidance that eligible athletes who meet IOC neutrality criteria must be allowed to participate. FIS board member Martti Uusitalo said the number approved is small and the neutrality vetting follows the IOC protocol used for Paris 2024.
Cross-country: Alvar Myhlback ill — could miss Ski Classics opener
December 10, 2025 / SVT Sport
Swedish long-distance specialist Alvar Myhlback, 19, has been battling a cold since his breakthrough World Cup weekend in Trondheim and may miss this weekend’s Ski Classics season opener in Bad Gastein. He is skipping the Davos World Cup to focus on long-distance racing, saying he still hopes to start despite being “on the edge.” Teammate Emil Persson has suggested Myhlback’s sprint finish suits Olympic courses, a view Myhlback shares.
Alvar Myhlback ill – may miss the season opener
December 10, 2025 / Sveriges Radio (Radiosporten)
Swedish cross-country skier Alvar Myhlback, fresh off a third place in the World Cup sprint in Trondheim last weekend, has fallen ill. He now risks missing the opening race of the Ski Classics long-distance series this coming weekend. “I’ve been sick,” he said when asked about his status for the premiere.
Cross-country skiing: Little‑experienced Filipino ignites World Cup debate
December 10, 2025 / SPORT1
Edward Limbaga, a 48‑year‑old Filipino newcomer, started the 10 km freestyle at the Trondheim World Cup and finished last after multiple crashes, prompting safety and fairness concerns from established athletes. His entry was permitted by a temporary FIS rule that lets competitors from small XC nations with up to 800 points start during the first three World Cup weekends to chase Olympic qualification. Criticism from Jan Thomas Jenssen and Mika Vermeulen contrasts with Limbaga’s view that he is trying to follow rules while pursuing a 2026 Olympic dream, with organizers citing scheduling and daylight limits for not starting slower skiers at the back.
Cross-country skiing: Emil Persson on Alvar Myhlback — “The Olympic finishing straight suits him”
December 10, 2025 / SVT Sport
Emil Persson says he was not surprised by 19‑year‑old Alvar Myhlback’s breakthrough podium in the Trondheim World Cup sprint and believes the Olympic course finish in Val di Fiemme could suit him. Persson, Myhlback’s teammate in the long‑distance Ski Classics series, stresses it’s Myhlback’s choice whether to target the 2026 Olympics but praises his unique path between long‑distance and traditional racing. The piece notes Myhlback’s Vasaloppet win at 18 and frames the discussion around his potential for Milan–Cortina 2026.
Official: These Russians and Belarusians are cleared to compete in the World Cup
December 10, 2025 / SVT Sport
FIS has published the first list of Russian and Belarusian athletes approved to compete this season as neutrals after CAS overturned FIS’s blanket ban. Cross-country skiers Saveliy Korostelev and Daria Nepryayeva are cleared and could start in Davos this weekend; seven others are from freeski, big air and alpine. Team entries remain barred, strict neutrality and anti‑doping conditions apply, and IOC approval will still be required for any Olympic participation at Milano–Cortina 2026.
FIS clears three Russians and six Belarusians to compete under neutral flag
December 10, 2025 / Sveriges Radio (Radiosporten)
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has approved nine athletes from Russia and Belarus to enter World Cup events under a neutral flag. The list includes cross‑country skiers Savely Korostelev and Daria Nepryayeva, alongside freestyle/freeski and alpine names. The decision opens the door for their participation at the international World Cup level despite ongoing restrictions on national representation.