Cross-Country Skiing: Anders Byström: 'Winning Against Their Darling Was Something Extra'

Landslagschef Anders Byström got teary-eyed after Jonna Sundling’s victory at the World Championships. Sundling won the gold medal by overcoming home favorite Kristine Stavås Skistad in front of 20,000 fans on Granåsen in Trondheim.

“Winning against their darling on home turf was something extra,” Byström told SVT Sport. Having followed Sundling’s career since she was a little girl, he was moved by her achievement, remarking on the difficulty of winning four consecutive championship gold medals—a feat that carries immense historical significance. He noted that despite the pressure and the patriotic Norwegian crowd, Sundling maintained her composure and executed a remarkable final push to secure the win.

Byström also recalled moments during the race when Sundling’s technique became very close to her opponent’s skis, causing some tension in the final moments. He mentioned that he had shouted in the downhill section when she came so close to the rival’s skis, emphasizing that the nerves were high but the outcome was an impressive and well-deserved victory.

The article also includes highlights from the cross-country World Championships in Trondheim, featuring various reactions and other notable moments from the event.