Double Olympic champion Frida Karlsson from Sweden is set to pursue her third gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, aiming to secure the inaugural Women’s 50km Mass Start Classic title. The event will take place at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium this Sunday, marking a historic moment in Olympic cross-country skiing as it will be the first time that both male and female athletes compete in the same distance events.
Previously, women had competed in a maximum distance of 30km at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, but the upcoming event promises to elevate the competition. Karlsson will face tough competition from her teammate Ebba Andersson, a five-time Olympic medalist, who is still on the hunt for her first gold medal. Andersson experienced setbacks during the Women’s 4 x 7.5km Relay in Beijing, where two unfortunate falls cost her team a chance at gold, resulting in a silver medal that left them disappointed.
Andersson has praised Karlsson’s current form, noting, “It’s crazy how fast Frida goes right now.” In a recent race, Karlsson overtook Andersson, who had started a minute earlier, to clinch gold, showcasing her impressive speed and determination.
The upcoming event is not just about competition; it symbolizes progress in gender equality within sports, as both men and women will race the same distances, reflecting a significant shift in the Olympic landscape. As the day approaches, anticipation builds for what could be a groundbreaking race in Olympic history.