Early on Saturday morning, Frida Karlsson shared a cryptic image on Instagram featuring both her and fellow athlete Jonna Sundling, captioned "the drop bus," indicating a possible withdrawal from upcoming events. The photo showed them sitting at a bus station surrounded by packed bags, suggesting a change in plans. Shortly after, SVT Sport contacted the cross-country ski team's press contact to confirm Sundling's absence from the race.

The team's statement confirmed that Jonna Sundling was experiencing worsening cold symptoms and would not participate in the 50 km event scheduled for the day in Val di Fiemme. This news came as a disappointment for fans and the team alike, as Sundling has been a key competitor in the cross-country skiing circuit. The team's doctor, Rickard Noberius, was made available for questions at the mixed zone later in the morning, highlighting the team's commitment to transparency regarding athlete health.

As the focus shifts to the 2026 Winter Olympics, Sundling's health will be a critical concern for the national team and fans who are eager to see her compete at top-level events. The impact of her absence from the race today may affect her preparations and overall performance leading up to the Olympics, making this development significant for Sweden's hopes in the upcoming games.