Veterans’ Olympic chances: “If extreme top results come...”

Swedish cross‑country skiing veterans Calle Halfvarsson and Jens Burman have had a difficult opening to the season and did not qualify for the Tour de Ski. Their lack of early‑season results has placed their Olympic prospects in doubt.

According to national team manager Anders Byström, the Scandinavian Cup immediately after New Year becomes a crucial opportunity for both athletes to demonstrate competitive capacity. Strong performances there could reopen the door to World Cup starts ahead of Olympic roster decisions.

However, selection will be tight. Sweden faces strong internal competition for limited men’s quota places, and the Swedish Olympic Committee will ultimately decide whether to use all available Olympic slots. Whether standout, “extreme” results arrive in time may determine if Halfvarsson and Burman are included in the team.