One sprint skier too many selected for the Olympics: “Clearly frustrating”

Sweden has selected five female cross‑country sprint skiers for the 2026 Winter Olympics, despite there being only four start places in the women’s sprint event.

Johanna Hagström, one of those named, called the nomination a dream come true. At the same time, she emphasized that an Olympic quota place does not automatically entitle her to start in the sprint on race day.

“It’s clearly frustrating. But now I at least have an Olympic spot and know what to aim for,” Hagström said.

The Swedish team staff will later decide which four sprinters actually line up for the sprint in Milan–Cortina 2026.