Injured Frida Karlsson Wins World Championship Gold with 'Duct Tape'

Injured Frida Karlsson Wins World Championship Gold with 'Duct Tape'

Originally published in SVT Sport on March 10, 2025

Frida Karlsson's path to a historic World Championship gold in the 50 km race was fraught with challenges. Suffering from an injury that caused her significant pain, she relied on medical support to manage her condition. Team doctor Rickard Noberius mentioned that they had been using pain relief methods, allowing Karlsson to participate in the championship despite doubts about her ability to compete.

Karlsson's determination shone through as she faced tough competition, infamously finishing ahead of Norway's Therese Johaug. Noberius praised her resilience, noting, "She is a remarkable competitor, accustomed to enduring pain to reach her goals." This victory marks a significant turnaround for Karlsson after a challenging season where skepticism about her fitness persisted. Her gold medal, achieved with the help of unconventional methods like 'duct tape', underscores her exceptional willpower and commitment to the sport.