Nightmare Olympic selection looming for Sweden’s women sprinters: “I’ll be sad and disappointed”

Sweden’s women’s cross‑country sprint team is headed for an exceptionally tough Olympic selection for Milan–Cortina 2026. Only four start places are available, yet the national team has more athletes capable of fighting for the podium than there are spots.

National team manager Anders Byström describes the decision as one of the most difficult challenges ahead of the Games. He notes that the internal competition is “brutal,” with several skiers performing at a level that could yield Olympic medals.

Johanna Hagström, one of the contenders, says the situation is “incredibly tough,” but adds that the team doesn’t dwell on it because everyone is fully aware of the stakes. The feature underscores Sweden’s sprint depth—naming athletes such as Maja Dahlqvist and Hagström—and the inevitability that at least one world‑class skier will be left at home despite strong form.