As the Milano and Cortina Winter Olympics come to a close this weekend, the Swedish cross-country ski team has announced its lineup for the women's 50-kilometer race. Originally planned to be announced earlier, the selection process was delayed due to uncertainties surrounding several athletes’ health statuses. Ultimately, competitors Frida Karlsson, Ebba Andersson, Emma Ribom, and Jonna Sundling will represent Sweden, while Linn Svahn and Moa Ilar have been ruled out. Svahn has returned home after suffering from illness earlier in the week, with team coach Stefan Thomson confirming her exit from the competition.

Moa Ilar has also left Italy, which further underscores the challenges faced by the Swedish team as they navigate the demanding conditions of the Olympic Games. The decision-making process regarding the competitors has been complicated this year, reflecting broader concerns about athletes’ health amid the rigors of competitive skiing at the Olympic level. It remains to be seen how the absence of these two notable athletes will impact the team’s performance in the event.

On the men's side, the selection was similarly fraught with uncertainty, but it has now been decided that Gustaf Berglund, Calle Halfvarsson, Johan Häggström, and William Poromaa will compete in the 50 km event, while Edvin Anger is also sidelined. His coach noted that Anger has had a challenging championship and faced both sporting and psychological difficulties. As the Olympics wrap up, the focus will shift to how these selected athletes perform in an event that historically draws considerable attention and prestige.