Frida Karlsson Wins World Championship Gold – After a Thrilling Race

Frida Karlsson took gold in the women's 50 km final in Trondheim. She won after a race sprint against Heidi Weng and Therese Johaug.

"A wave of emotions is coming now," she expressed to Viaplay after her victory.

The women's race was intense, featuring two Swedish skiers and two Norwegians: Ebba Andersson, Frida Karlsson, Therese Johaug, and Heidi Weng who exchanged leads in a tightly packed group throughout the race.

As the finish line approached, Ebba Andersson fell, crushing her chances for a medal. Frida Karlsson seized the opportunity to break away and left her Norwegian competitors behind.

The 25-year-old crossed the finish line first.

"I don't know what I'm feeling. It just feels like everything is hitting me at once. I had zero expectations coming into this race," said Karlsson, reflecting on her journey through a challenging season filled with injuries and setbacks.

"Frida conducts the race as if it's just a training session. She has control the whole time and skis brilliantly despite the terrible snow conditions," commented national team chief Anders Byström to SVT Sport.

This was the first-ever 50 km race in World Championship history for women, and Sweden has now claimed gold in each of the six women’s events at the World Championships.

Frida Karlsson’s victory is a remarkable milestone, marking her first individual World Championship gold.

The road to this moment has been tough, but Karlsson is feeling proud of the journey she has made.