Cross-country: World Championship bronze medalist Truls Gisselman on tough autumn: “Higher expectations”

Swedish cross-country skier Truls Gisselman, who stepped into Sweden’s relay at the Trondheim World Championships when Calle Halfvarsson fell ill and helped the team win bronze, reflects on a difficult start to the 2025–26 season.

Gisselman was not selected for any World Cup races before Christmas. He says spring was “a bit messy,” but he felt good late in the summer and through autumn, so he had expected more from the opening of the season. He believes he may have timed his form too early and hopes the coming weeks will bring an upswing.

Following the Davos races, Sweden was allotted eight Olympic quota places on the men’s side after the international federation distributed additional spots. Unlike the women’s team, which has already filled all eight places, several men’s spots remain open, which motivates Gisselman to make his case during the Tour de Ski.

He began the Tour with a 63rd place in the sprint qualification, well outside advancement. However, he is generally stronger in longer distances—especially classic technique—and looks to perform better in the upcoming 10 km classic stage. Despite the slow start, he says the Olympic dream is still alive: “It’s not impossible.”