Cross-country Skiing: Maja Dahlqvist's Pole Breaks in the Final: "Stolpe out for Sweden"

Maja Dahlqvist was the only Swedish skier to reach the final in the Toblach sprint event. Unfortunately for the Swedish team, she broke her pole during the race. "It was stolpe ut for Sweden today," Dahlqvist told SVT Sport. After the pole break, she was left with no chance and finished in sixth place. This incident ended a remarkable streak of 23 consecutive World Cup podiums for Swedish women in sprint events. "I am seriously disappointed that the pole broke. I felt stronger and stronger and had hoped for a good placement after being sick," said Dahlqvist, who had not completed a hard training session since Ruka a month ago. She had to ski half a lap before she received a new pole — but by that time, it was too late.

The reigning Tour de Ski champion, Jessie Diggins, started strong and won the final after sprinting past Jasmi Joensuu. "I thought I was getting older and didn’t expect to win a sprint. It was a big surprise, but I take it," said the 33-year-old Diggins, celebrating her first sprint victory in three years.

Similarly, world-class sprinter Jonna Sundling opted to skip the Tour de Ski and is currently in altitude training with teammate Emma Ribom.