The 19-year-old skier Alvar Myhlback has declined an offer to serve as a reserve in the men's 50km event at the Olympics. He left the Games last week and is now focusing on the Vasaloppet. National team chief Anders Byström confirms they spoke with him.
The men's 50km at the Olympics will take place without the young talent Alvar Myhlback. The 19-year-old skier turned down the national team's offer to be a reserve ahead of Saturday's closing distance race. Myhlback left the Olympics last week, but the leadership still checked if he wanted to return for the event.
"We have talked to Alvar, yes. But he is in full Vasalopps mode," says national team chief Anders Byström. This indicates that Myhlback is prioritizing preparations for the classic Swedish long-distance race Vasaloppet over a potential reserve role in the Olympics.
Myhlback is described as a major prospect in skiing, and his decision highlights the tight schedule for elite athletes during the season. The Olympic 50km is one of the highlights in the cross-country program, but it will proceed without Myhlback.