Ebba Andersson: "No, God! Did I really do that??"

Traditional skiing

Ebba Andersson: “No, God! Did I really do that??”

by Ingeborg Scheve/Translated by Katerina Paul • 05.03.2025

250304 Ebba Andersson of Sweden after competing in the women's classic technique interval start during day 7 of the 2025 FIS Nordic Ski World Championships on March 4, 2025 in Trondheim. Photo: Maxim Thore / BILDBYRÅN / kod MT / MT0770

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Photo: Maxim Thore / BILDBYRÅN

Sweden’s Ebba Andersson put her foot in it big time at the World Championships in Trondheim.

First, Ebba defeated Norway’s cross-country skiing queen, Therese Johaug, twice on home soil at the Championships.

She claimed victory in the 20km skiathlon on Sunday and then again in the 10km classic on Tuesday. That makes two golds in two races for her in Trondheim.

After Sunday’s victory, the 27-year-old from Sollefteå got to meet the Norwegian king for the first time.

“You’ve made headlines in Norway after swearing during your meeting with the king…?”

– “No, God! Did I really do that?? How embarrassing!”

What did you talk about?

– “I can’t remember what he said. It’s not every day you get to meet royalty, so I was a bit on edge,” Andersson explains.

Not emotionally prepared

While Andersson nailed her physical preparation and peak form, her emotions have been more unpredictable.

Did you dare to believe in such great success before the World Championships?

– “I’ve been training for this championship for a long time, and I believed a medal was a realistic goal. But considering how my season has been so far, standing here with two golds in two races still hasn’t fully sunk in. That this is really happening,” says Andersson.

– “I’m just trying to enjoy it. But it’s more emotional than I was prepared for.”

Tuesday’s gold means even more to Andersson.

– “I haven’t exactly been spoiled with much progress this season, so for it to come now over the past two days was more than I expected,” she says, elaborating:

– “I believed I could get back to the form I had at the World Championships two years ago. The training plan that my dad and I believed in. I’ve been able to prepare in a safe and familiar environment at home with my parents,” Andersson explains.

Ebba Andersson of Sweden and Therese Johaug of Norway
Photo: Maxim Thoré / BILDBYRÅN

Expecting more from Johaug

In both races, Andersson and her Norwegian rival were separated by the slimmest of margins.

In Sunday’s skiathlon mass start, they finished with the same time, but Andersson was declared the winner by photo finish.

In Tuesday’s 10km classic interval start, the Swede won by just over a second, leaving Johaug with her second silver. Andersson fears this could fire up her rival for the upcoming races.

– “I think she’s probably a little frustrated about being so close twice now. But at the same time, I think she’s building up a huge hunger for revenge. It’s going to be tough for the rest of us in the upcoming races.”

Both races have also seen two Swedes on the podium. In Sunday’s skiathlon, Jonna Sundling took third place, while in Tuesday’s 10km classic, it was Frida Karlsson who claimed bronze.