Frida Karlsson’s Unstoppable Form: A Second Gold in Val di Fiemme
VAL DI FIEMME – No one was even close. Frida Karlsson, 26, secured her second consecutive gold medal with a commanding performance, leaving competitors in her wake. “It just feels amazing,” she exclaimed, brimming with energy.
Following Kläbo’s Advice, Karlsson Finds Her Rhythm
Karlsson’s exceptional form continues to impress. Before the 10km free race, she received advice from Norwegian cross-country skiing star Johannes Hösflot Kläbo to avoid starting too aggressively – a tendency she’s battled in the past. “I received very clear instructions today. To that point, just ski relaxed, so I should probably listen to that,” she said with a smile to SVT (Swedish Television).
However, Karlsson didn’t hold back. At the halfway point, she led Jessie Diggins, her nearest competitor, by a staggering 23 seconds. When informed of her lead, Karlsson responded with a surprised “What?” to her coach, Lars Ljung.
A Dominating Victory
Karlsson continued to extend her lead, ultimately winning by an incredible 46.6 seconds. “It was so much fun today. My body is buzzing. I got so much energy from all the coaches shouting times and from the incredible Swedish crowd. They carried me around. I didn’t even feel tired until I crossed the finish line and was lying there groaning from the pain,” Karlsson shared.
She acknowledged Kläbo’s advice, stating, “I got clear instructions: ‘to that point, you should ski relaxed.’ He seems to have focused on this opening pace.” She added to NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation): “I tried to keep that in mind. We’re friends, so we should help each other.”
Controversy and Congratulations
However, not everyone was thrilled with the Norwegian assistance. Therese Johaug expressed her disapproval, jokingly saying to NRK, “You can’t help Sweden! They’re already good; he shouldn’t have done that.”
Andersson Secures Silver
Ebba Andersson clinched the silver medal, finishing just three seconds ahead of Jessie Diggins. “It was incredibly exhausting. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this drained at the end. I just tried to do what my head told me and keep pushing, but my legs were just screaming ‘stop!’” Andersson said.
This victory solidifies Frida Karlsson’s position as a dominant force in cross-country skiing. Her performance in Val di Fiemme is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the power of strategic advice and unwavering support.
Source: NRK
