Cross-country: Swedish team split over high‑altitude training before the Olympics

Sweden’s cross‑country ski team is pursuing high‑altitude training ahead of the Olympics, but the approach does not suit everyone.

Ebba Andersson is among those opting out. “I choose to skip training at high altitude because both my experience and data show I don’t respond well to it,” she told SVT Sport. Young sprinter Edvin Anger has also decided to avoid altitude training for a couple more years.

Others are strongly in favor. William Poromaa said he has tried it many times and knows his body responds well, especially before championships. Maja Dahlqvist added that she feels a clear boost after coming down from altitude, which is why she plans to use it before the Olympics.

Supported financially by the Swedish Olympic Committee, the national team has held two autumn altitude camps—men in Livigno and women in Lavazé. In the final phase before the Games, those choosing altitude will skip the last World Cup weekend in Goms to attend a camp in Seiser Alm.

Athletes planning to use altitude include Jonna Sundling, Emma Ribom, Maja Dahlqvist, Moa Ilar, William Poromaa, and Jens Burman. Frida Karlsson has conducted her altitude work independently. Those opting out include Ebba Andersson and Edvin Anger. Coach Johan Granath also comments in the SVT clip on allowing individualized preparations within the team.