Swedish ski star Frida Karlsson is forced to skip Sunday's OS 50km in Val di Fiemme due to a cold with fever. Despite two golds and a silver earlier in the games, the 26-year-old will not compete further. Sweden will field Ebba Andersson, Jonna Sundling, and Emma Ribom instead.
Frida Karlsson, one of Sweden's biggest medal hopes in cross-country skiing, will miss the final 50km at the Milano Cortina Olympics. The 26-year-old skier has been hit by a cold with ongoing symptoms, including fever, leading her and the medical team to decide against starting.
Swedish cross-country team's press officer Astri Lindbäck confirmed the decision in a statement: “Frida Karlsson har fortsatta förkylningssymtom och har tillsammans med medicinska teamet beslutat att avstå från söndagens femmil”. Karlsson herself announced on Instagram that she has a fever, which prevents her participation in the last event.
Karlsson has already performed strongly during the Olympics in Italy. She won gold in the skiathlon and 10km freestyle, as well as silver in the relay. As a strong favorite for another medal in the 50km, her absence is a setback for the Swedish team.
Sweden will instead be represented by Ebba Andersson, Jonna Sundling, and Emma Ribom in the race, with Andersson seen as the main hope for a medal. The competitions are taking place in Val di Fiemme, a classic ski venue in Italy.