Alvar Myhlback, the 18-year-old skier who nearly clinched the Vasalopp record last year, is gearing up for another shot at it this Sunday. He narrowly missed the record by just 27 seconds in 2025, a near miss that he has reflected on and hopes to overcome in the upcoming race. Conditions are being predicted to be fast, which could work in his favor as he seeks to improve his time.

The Vasaloppet is a prestigious 90-kilometer cross-country ski race that has a long-standing history in Sweden and attracts elite racers from around the world. Myhlback's impressive time last year of 3 hours, 28 minutes, and 45 seconds made him the second-fastest in history for that event, only 27 seconds behind the record set by Tord Asle Gjerdalen in 2021. This context adds pressure but also excitement as competitors prepare for the event, which is a highlight of the skiing calendar.

As race day approaches, Myhlback's determination and the expectations of favorable weather conditions create a compelling narrative for the upcoming event. Not only does he carry the hopes of setting a new record, but he also embodies the spirit of youth and competition inherent in the Vasalopp, making this race highly anticipated in the skiing community.