Sweden is being praised for salvaging silver in the relay, but Ebba Andersson feels only guilt, shame, and fear. Now she worries that the Olympic 50km, her final chance for gold, could slip away.

Ebba Andersson fell twice, knocked the binding off her ski, and crushed Sweden’s hopes of gold in the relay. Now she is uncertain ahead of the 50km.

“I may not be one of the four Swedes on the starting line there. I don’t know yet,” Ebba Andersson tells Expressen.

The 28-year-old was the undisputed star of the World Championships in Trondheim, where she won gold in three of the four races she entered. This year’s Olympics have been different. The relay, in particular, went badly.

“What shouldn’t have happened, happened,” says Sweden’s national team manager Anders Byström about Saturday’s nightmare in Val di Fiemme.

Sweden was the big favorite in Saturday’s Olympic relay. Linn Svahn opened according to plan and sent Ebba Andersson out on the second leg with a lead of more than seven seconds.

But the demanding terrain, with several downhill sections, meant that Andersson fell twice, lost her binding, and had to walk a long distance before she could get a new ski. She fought her way back in and finished 1:18 behind Norway.

Frida Karlsson and Jonna Sundling each gained 15 seconds and secured silver for Sweden. But Andersson was devastated.

Also Read: Norway powers to 4×7.5km Relay gold at Milano-Cortina 2026

The team effort has drawn praise from teammates, experts, and even King Carl XVI Gustaf.

“Ebba, fantastic! What a comeback,” the King exclaimed.

“Not many people would have managed what she did,” says Jonna Sundling.

But Andersson is unable to enjoy either the medal or the praise.

“It’s incredibly hard. It’s awful to have a bad race, and it’s even worse when it affects others. It’s hard not to take responsibility and feel guilt and shame,” says Andersson.

How will they bring the World Championship star back

After the relay, Andersson received support from her teammates and national team manager Anders Byström.

“We have a strong group that will take care of Ebba. I’m absolutely convinced of that. Everyone will give her as much support as possible,” he says.

The 50km race will be held on Sunday, February 22, and is the final cross-country event of the 2026 Olympics. The team selection will take place the day before. !!!

FACTS 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games – Cross-Country Skiing

• When: Saturday 7, to Sunday, February 22, 2026
• Who: Elite national skiers – women and men
• Where: Val di Fiemme, Italy
• What: Milano-Cortina 2026

Saturday, February 7: 20km Skiathlon C/F Women (More information can be found HERE)

• 13:00 CET: 20km Skiathlon C/F, Women

Sunday, February 8: 20km Skiathlon C/F Men (More information can be found HERE)

• 12:30 CET: 20km Skiathlon C/F, Men

Tuesday, February 10: Sprint C Women and Men (More information can be found HERE)

• 9:15 CET: Sprint Quali C, Women
• 9:55 CET: Sprint Quali C, Men
• 11:45 CET: Sprint Final C, Women
• 12:15 CET: Sprint Final C, Men

Thursday, February 12: 10km Interval Start F Women (More information can be found HERE)

• 13:00 CET: 10km Interval F, Women

Friday, February 13: 10km Interval Start F Men (More information can be found HERE)

• 11:45 CET: 10km Interval F, Men

Saturday, February 14: 4×7.5km Relay C/F Women (More information can be found HERE)

• 12:00 CET: 4×7.5km Relay C/F, Women

Sunday, February 15: 4×7.5km Relay C/F Men (More information can be found HERE)

• 12:00 CET: 4×7.5km Relay C/F, Men

Wednesday, February 18: Team Sprint Women and Men (More information can be found HERE)

• 9:45 CET: Team Sprint F Quali, Women
• 9:45 CET: Team Sprint F Quali, Men
• 11:45 CET: Team Sprint F, Women
• 11:45 CET: Team Sprint F, Men

Saturday, February 21: 50km Mass Start C Men (More information can be found HERE)

• 11:00 CET: 50km Mass Start C, Men

Sunday, February 22: 50km Mass Start C Women (More information can be found HERE)

• 10:00 CET: 50km Mass Start C, Women

The 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 marathons.

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