Following the Winter Olympics, Frida Karlsson showcased significant improvement by winning the 20km skiing event and finishing nearly a minute ahead of her teammate Ebba Andersson. This performance came in the wake of severe criticism from Therese Johaug, who questioned Karlsson's development as an athlete since the previous Olympics in Beijing. Johaug expressed doubts about Karlsson's consistency and capability to secure multiple Olympic medals despite acknowledging her talent.

In response to Johaug's remarks, Karlsson confidently stated that she has developed substantially over the past four years, suggesting that her recent performance is evidence of her growth. The exchange highlights the competitive tension in Norwegian skiing, particularly between established stars like Johaug and rising talents such as Karlsson. The statement from Johaug, who is now a commentator for NRK, sparked discussions about the expectations placed on athletes at major international competitions.

As the Olympic events loom closer, the dynamics between seasoned athletes and their emerging counterparts are becoming increasingly relevant. The criticism from Johaug may serve as motivation for Karlsson to prove herself and silence her detractors, while also raising questions about the pressures athletes face regarding performance consistency and public perception. The competitive spirit remains high as both athletes prepare for future challenges on the world stage.