Frida Karlsson calls after a tense finish – Therese Johaug criticizes the champion's actions during the race

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Despite Swedish star Linn Svahn's participation in the World Ski Championships being cut short due to a concussion in practice before the races even began, Svahn was involved in the Swedish women's gold rush.

According to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, citing Swedish Viaplay's information, Frida Karlsson finished the 50 km freestyle race and became the world champion using Svahn's skis.

At the finish area, Karlsson was seen speaking on the phone, crying emotionally. Swedish media reported that on the other end of the line was Svahn, from whom she borrowed the skis.

"They felt like javelins. I said I wanted to finish with Linn's skis, and that happened," Aftonbladet quoted Karlsson praising the equipment.

"She has meant a lot to me."

Frida Karlsson received a warm hug from her teammates at the finish. Photo: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP / Lehtikuva

In addition to the skis, Karlsson spoke to the press about the significance of her competitor.

"We have said that we do this together. Now, I stand here without her, and I got a small reminder that sports are not always fair at the beginning of the competitions. She has mattered a lot to my mental performance."

The confirmation of her championship was an emotional moment for Karlsson's mother Mia Karlsson.

"Tears are flowing, and I have no voice left," mother Karlsson told Norwegian TV2.

According to her mother, it was close that Karlsson wouldn't even start today, as the new world champion has suffered from leg issues this season.

Johaug criticized Karlsson

Karlsson became the historic first female world champion for that distance, as 50 kilometers was now included for women in the championship program for the first time.

Karlsson's gold in the final distance was also significant as it meant that for the first time ever, Norwegian female skiers left their home championships without a single gold medal.

The last time Norwegian women went without a world title was 16 years ago at the Liberec Championships.

Therese Johaug had to settle for bronze in the 50-kilometer race. Johaug, who had already retired once, returned to the sport with this very race, the historic 50 kilometers in the World Championships.

However, she had to surrender in the combination event and the 10 kilometers in classic style for silver to Ebba Andersson, while Karlsson and Heidi Weng moved ahead in the 50 kilometers.

Norwegians had to settle for silver and bronze in the 50 km free style competition. Photo: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP / Lehtikuva

At the finish, Johaug directed her criticism at the winner.

"I was so tired of Frida skiing on my skis over and over again. It is so unnecessary when skiing in a small group, but shortly after she gave up," NRK reports Johaug criticized in an interview with Norwegian TV2.

In an interview with NRK, the Norwegian accused Karlsson of skiing on her poles as well. Karlsson responded by saying she didn't see Johaug's poles because of the snow.

Swedish team manager Anders Byström understood Johaug’s frustration over not winning gold.

"But the Swedes have beaten her every time here. It’s not by chance. It’s because we were a little better," Byström said to Aftonbladet.

Johaug's husband was proud

Although Johaug left this championships without medals, the multiple-time championship winner's trophy cabinet filled up in Trondheim with three silvers along with Sunday’s bronze.

Therese Johaug's brother Karstein Johaug sees that the haul feels like a defeat to the competitive skier.

"The goal was to win gold. At the same time, not everyone reaches all their dreams, so it’s not obvious," the brother reflected to NRK.

Therese Johaug's husband Nils Jakob Hoff was nonetheless proud of his wife.

Despite Johaug's goal of a championship not being achieved, Nils Jakob Hoff was proud of his wife's performance.

"I am very satisfied with the work done and the results she achieved here. Everything hasn't been optimal, but she has proven to be able to return to the world's top," Hoff commented.

Hoff previously told Yle Sports that he wouldn't have been surprised if Johaug aimed for next year's Olympics as well.

However, Johaug has assured that her career is now over, and she wants Kristin's daughter to have siblings.

Even after the final distance in the press conference, Johaug confirmed that she will end her career in front of her home audience at the Holmenkollen World Cup next weekend, on March 15–16.