The Swedish cross-country skiing team is grappling with a wave of illnesses as the men's 50km classic approaches at the Milan/Cortina 2026 Olympics. William Poromaa has withdrawn from the race and been sent home due to infectious symptoms. With Linn Svahn already out and Frida Karlsson's participation uncertain, Sweden may struggle to field a full team.
The men's 50km classic, the marquee event closing the Olympic cross-country skiing program for men, is set for Saturday at 11 a.m. in Tesero, Italy. Norway's Johannes Hoesflot Klæbo will start with bib number 1, pursuing a historic Grand Slam after strong performances earlier in the Games.
Sweden announced its selections on Friday morning, naming William Poromaa, Gustaf Berglund, Calle Halfvarsson, and Johan Haeggstroem for the men's race. For women, the team includes Frida Karlsson, Ebba Andersson, Jonna Sundling, and Emma Ribom, excluding Linn Svahn due to illness before the team sprint and Moa Ilar, whose form was deemed insufficient by coach Stefan Thomson. Thomson told Expressen, “There was a discussion with Moa Ilar and she felt that her form wasn’t really up to scratch.” National coach Anders Bystroem explained to SVT that potential replacement Alvar Myhlback was unavailable, focusing on the Vasaloppet: “We spoke with Alvar, but as you can see, he is currently in the middle of preparing for the Vasaloppet, so it was impossible for him to come here to race.”
Later that day, developments worsened for Sweden. Poromaa, 25, withdrew from the 50km and was sent home, suffering from infectious symptoms following intestinal issues, according to team doctor Rickard Noberius in Aftonbladet. This adds to the team's challenges, with Svahn absent and Karlsson's status unclear. No replacements are available, potentially leaving Sweden short-handed for the final Olympic event.
France fields four starters: Mathis Desloges (bib 6), Hugo Lapalus (8), Victor Lovera (17), and Théo Schely (23). The illnesses highlight vulnerabilities in the Swedish squad amid an otherwise competitive field.
