Following a difficult Olympics, the Swedish star Edvin Anger criticizes the national team’s Olympic preparations after what he calls a disastrous Games.

The 23-year-old from Hedemora was expected to be Sweden’s strongest medal contender at the Olympics, alongside William Poromaa.

Now Anger describes his Olympics as miserable, says he will skip the 50km, and adds that this will be the last time he follows such an Olympic buildup.

“I think I can prepare better on my own next time,” the 23-year-old told SVT Sport.

With only the 50km remaining, Anger’s results stand at 37th in the skiathlon, 20th in the sprint, and 42nd in the 10km. In the relay, he was part of the team that finished last.

Also Read: Last in the Olympic relay – historic fiasco

And in the team sprint, where he raced alongside Johan Häggström, Sweden finished tenth after a complete collapse at the end of the race.

Now, Anger is fed up and has long since ruled himself out of Saturday’s 50km.

So, will there be no 50km?

“I’m not where I want to be. Then it feels unnecessary. I don’t have the energy to ski that many laps.”

Considering flying in Myhlback

The national team management is now considering flying Alvar Myhlback back to Italy for Saturday’s 50km. The 19-year-old was sent home after last Tuesday’s Olympic sprint, where he finished ninth and was the best Swedish skier.

“We’ve discussed it, actually. We’ll make some calls and see if that’s what we decide,” Sweden’s national team director Anders Byström told Aftonbladet.

“Must evaluate”

Both Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson timed their peak form for the championship. Both chose their own paths and preparation plans ahead of the Olympics. Karlsson prepared at altitude, while Andersson stayed at home with her parents in Sollefteå.

For the Swedish men, it has been different. Among other things, they held a joint pre-camp in Seefeld, Austria. Only three athletes from the elite national team made the Olympic team on the men’s side. The rest of the A-team did not perform well enough. Now the national team director acknowledges that an evaluation is necessary.

“We must analyze what works and really think about whether we can train better and do things better ahead of Falun (World Championships 2027). But that analysis can’t be done here and now,” said national team director Anders Byström.

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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