Myhre Takes First Podium Finish After Dramatic Race – Received Advice from Klæbo Before Final

It was a highly dramatic World Cup opening for the sprint specialists, where two underdogs ended up claiming the top two podium spots. Swedish athlete Johanna Hagström celebrated her first World Cup victory, while Norwegian Julie Myhre came in second. Before the final, she received encouragement from Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who himself achieved a commanding victory in the men's sprint final.

• "He told me just to do what I usually do and not overthink or make any elaborate plans. I felt like it could happen, and I kept my cool. I am so pleased with that," Myhre told Viaplay.

The 28-year-old Myhre impressed greatly in the final. She delivered a tactically strong race and had full control of her second place. This marked her first podium finish in the World Cup. Maja Dahlqvist secured the third podium position.

However, the surprising podium results were not entirely unexpected. In the quarter-finals, several favorites were eliminated. In a very dramatic quarter-final, a trio of athletes—Linn Svahn, Ane Appelkvist Stenseth, and Hedda Østberg Amundsen—were knocked out of contention.

Svensk Svahn collided with Stenseth's ski, who was leading into the downhill section. Svahn ended up in the woods, while Stenseth fell, taking her compatriot Østberg Amundsen down with her.

• "It all went blank. It’s really disappointing how it ended," Stenseth commented.

For further details, please read more about the incidents in our linked articles.