Teresa Stadlober has enjoyed a strong and consistent season on the international cross-country skiing circuit so far. The Austrian athlete from Radstadt, Salzburg, has shown impressive form throughout the entire winter. But since Monday, she has been coping with a heartbreaking personal loss.

A strong season highlighted by the Tour de Ski

Her biggest highlight came earlier this year at the Tour de Ski, where Stadlober displayed fighting spirit, endurance, and tactical intelligence across the demanding stages. She was particularly impressive on the legendary final climb up Alpe Cermis, finishing second overall and winning the climb classification,  the best result of her career to date.

Just before the start of the Olympic Games, she caught a mild cold and was therefore already unable to start the competition in ideal condition. Nevertheless, she managed to compete in the skiathlon and finish in the top 10. In the 10km individual start (freestyle), she continued her strong performance with an excellent seventh place.

Also Read: Swedish superstar powers to 10km freestyle gold at Milano-Cortina 2026

Sad news in the midst of the Olympic Games

While she continues to compete in the Olympic events, Teresa Stadlober is now coping with a painful loss, as she announced on Instagram.

Her grandmother passed away on Monday. The news spread quickly after Stadlober shared an emotional post. Accompanied by a touching photo of the two together, she wrote: “On Monday you closed your eyes forever — peacefully, just as you always wished. We are endlessly sad, but also endlessly grateful for all the years we shared, for your love, and for everything you taught us.“

Many fans, teammates, and friends expressed their condolences and wished her strength in this difficult time.

This year’s Olympic Games are very much a family adventure for the Stadlobers: her father, Alois Stadlober, is serving as sport manager for Austria’s cross-country team; her mother, Roswitha Stadlober, is attending the Games in her role as President of the Austrian Ski Federation; and her brother, Luis Stadlober, a former cross-country skier himself, is working as an expert commentator for ORF.

Remarkable strength in difficult days

Despite the emotional burden, the 33‑year‑old plans to compete in the 50km mass start in classic technique. On a good day, she counts as one of the top favorites for this final Olympic race.

Instead of withdrawing, she has decided to compete in honor of her grandmother.

In her post, she added heartfelt words: “You could still watch the skiathlon on TV, and I know you’ll be watching the 50km race from above. I’ll race for you — with you in my heart.“

The women’s 50km mass start will take place on Sunday at 10:00 CET, while the men’s race is scheduled for Saturday at 11:00 CET.

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

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
• 10:15 CET: Team Sprint F Quali, Men
• 11:45 CET: Team Sprint F, Women
• 12:15 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.

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