Norwegian columnist on Alvar Myhlback’s Olympic plans: “He’s no masochist”

NRK’s Norwegian columnist Jan Petter Saltvedt says experts in Norway “don’t understand anything” about Alvar Myhlback’s apparent lack of interest in racing the 50 km at the 2026 Winter Olympics. In his view, the 18‑year‑old Swede is an all‑round talent who will simply select the distances where he and his team believe he has the best medal chances.

After considerable back and forth, it is now confirmed that Myhlback will compete at the Olympics in Val di Fiemme (Milan–Cortina 2026). The exact events remain undecided. Myhlback has opened the door to the sprint and the skiathlon, but he is much more hesitant about the 50 km, saying after his selection that he doesn’t think he is at the required level yet.

Saltvedt emphasizes that Myhlback is “a gift to the sport” because of his enormous talent, and he welcomes the decision to go to the Games. The Winter Olympics begin on February 6 and will be broadcast in Sweden by SVT and TV4.