Cross-Country Skiing: Alvar Myhlback Competes in His Third Vasaloppet: "Good Confidence"

In 2023, Alvar Myhlback finished eighth, and in 2024, he placed third in the Vasaloppet. Now, he is set to compete in his third Vasaloppet, feeling confident.

— I have good confidence around the Vasaloppet, he says to SVT Sport.

In 2023, a sixteen-year-old Myhlback received special permission to compete in the Vasaloppet as a minor. This turned out to be a spectacular success. As the youngest participant ever, he finished eighth and was widely praised afterwards.

Last year, he delivered another strong performance, finishing third. He recalls:

— It was a day filled with pain, but it ultimately made it all worth it, he laughs.

For Myhlback, who hails from Bjursås in Dalarna, the Vasaloppet holds a special significance. He describes it as much more than just a ski race due to all that surrounds it.

— It makes the whole experience grander. It's not just us skiing nine miles; what happens on Sunday is a major event for all of Sweden.

“I know that this race suits me”

And now on Sunday, it is time again. The 18-year-old Myhlback is pumped up.

— I have been in poor shape leading up to Vasan, and it has gone well; I’ve also been in great shape, and that has gone well too. So, I have good confidence around Vasaloppet and know that the race suits me well. It’s just about going out and fighting, he explains.

Team or Individual – What’s the Priority?

— It will be the team. Someone from 157 needs to win. Of course, I would have loved to win myself. But Emil (Persson) has been very strong leading up to the race. So, I think it will mainly be him that we race for. It’s nine miles, and anything can happen.