Jonna Sundling won VM bronze – after the crash

Jonna Sundling achieved victory at the World Championships by taking home the bronze medal in skiathlon, despite experiencing a crash during the race. The incident occurred just as Sundling was navigating through the final lap, where she lost her balance and inadvertently brought down fellow competitor Heidi Weng. Weng expressed her anger and frustration after the event, noting the competitiveness of the race and her disappointment with the outcome. Despite the fall, Sundling was proud to earn her first distance medal at the World Championship stage. She expressed mixed feelings about the situation, noting the impact of the crash on both her and Weng's performance, particularly as it affected their chances for a higher finish in the race, which was ultimately won by Ebba Andersson. Sundling stated, "It’s a bittersweet moment; I wish the fall hadn’t happened." In reference to the encounter and the aftermath of the crash, Weng admitted, "I’m angry, but it’s just racing; sometimes things happen that are out of our control." Both athletes showcased the high emotional stakes of competitive skiing, underscoring the intense drive for success among elite participants in the sport.