At a press conference, Johanna Hagström expressed her excitement about being selected for her Olympic debut in the sprint event for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The announcement came as a significant achievement for Hagström, who recounted her feelings of having been left out during previous selections four years ago. The pressure of competing against talented athletes such as Maja Dahlqvist, Jonna Sundling, and Linn Svahn heightened the emotional stakes for her, especially knowing that another contender, Emma Ribom, would not make it to the team this time.

Hagström frankly commented on the intensity of the selection process, emphasizing that it had been an arduous journey filled with tough competition. She said, 'I feel for Emma... I have stood in that position myself.' Her statements highlighted the emotional weight of the selection not only on herself but also her competitors, as they all vie for limited spots on the Olympic team. This rivalry underscores the level of talent present in Swedish skiing and the challenge it faces in maintaining excellence at the international level.

The pressure of early announcements regarding the list of participants eased some anxiety for Hagström, allowing her to concentrate on her training leading up to the Olympics. However, she also acknowledged the struggle of dealing with the media about her journey and feelings during this process. Her desire to be genuine in her communications reflects a broader concern among athletes about the narrative they convey in public, balancing personal authenticity with the expectations and scrutiny from the media.