The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are just a few weeks away, and two new cross-country skiers have been named to the Norwegian Olympic Team.

Milano Cortina, Italy, will host the next Winter Olympics. The Opening Ceremony will be held on February 6, 2026, and there will be 12 cross-country skiing competitions over 10 days, culminating in the women’s 50km mass start in classic technique on February 22, 2026.

Also Read: Program for cross-country skiing at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

According to a press release from the Norwegian Ski Association, two new cross-country skiers were selected for the Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina 2026. Earlier in mid-December, eight athletes were already named to the Norwegian Olympic Team.

Also Read: Eight Norwegian cross-country skiers confirmed for the Winter Olympics 2026

“Two new athletes have today been given the go-ahead for the 2026 Olympics. Karoline Simpson-Larsen and Mattis Stenshagen,” stated the press release.

“Karoline has impressed with two victories in the World Cup and shows that she belongs on the biggest stage. We look forward to her representing Norway in the Olympics. The recent period has been demanding, and we have great respect for how she has handled the challenges with strength and focus,” says national team manager Per Elias Kalfoss.

“It is very gratifying to give Mattis Stenshagen the go-ahead for the Olympics. Mattis has delivered strong performances over time, been patient, and done a formidable job to succeed. He impressed with two victories in the Tour de Ski and several solid results this season,” says Kalfoss.

According to the press release: “There are now two Olympic spots remaining for men and four spots for women. 

The next setting will be ready after the National Championships in Steinkjer.

“We are going to field the best team Norway can field in the Olympics. This means that we have to look at the big picture and how we can perform as well as possible at all distances,” concludes Kalfoss. 

Two new Norwegian cross-country skiers have been named for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics

Woman

• Karoline Simpson-Larsen

Man

• Mattis Stenshagen

The story continues below.

Winter Olympic Games

February 4-22, 2026: Milano Cortina, Italy (Winter Olympic Games)

• 07/02: Skiathlon, Women
• 08/02: Skiathlon, Men
• 10/02: Sprint Classic, Women and Men
• 12/02: 10km Freestyle, Women
• 13/02: 10km Freestyle, Men
• 14/02: Relay, Women
• 15/02: Relay, Men
• 18/02: Team Sprint, Women and Men
• 21/02: 50km Classic, Men
• 22/02: 50km Classic, Women

*Complete program for the Winter Olympic Games can be found HERE

Val di Fiemme, a classic Nordic skiing venue, promises thrilling racing on courses steeped in Olympic history. Fans around the World will have the chance to cheer on athletes across all distances, from explosive sprints to grueling distance events.

Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.

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