Frida Karlsson has withdrawn from the Tour de Ski just hours before the final stage, delivering a clear message: “I’m going to put the skis away.”

Karlsson, who won two gold medals at the World Championships in Trondheim and claimed the overall Tour de Ski title in 2023, was one of the favorites for the overall victory this season. However, this year’s Tour has been a significant disappointment.

Ahead of the final stage, the Swedish skiing star was well down the overall standings, and only hours before the start, she decided to withdraw from the Tour.

“I can’t make things work, and we have therefore decided not to take on the load of the final climb up Alpe Cermis, especially so close to the Olympics. Now I’m going home, recovering, and rebuilding my confidence,” the 26-year-old said in a press release.

“Now I’m going to put the skis away and get on the bike for a while, to strengthen my tendons a bit,” she told Expressen.

Concerned about the Olympics

Karlsson has been struggling with foot issues, which also troubled her throughout last season. She explains that she has a very high arch and very narrow feet, making it difficult for her to trust her body.

“I hope it calms down a bit, that I can put out the fire, and that things will settle after that. For me, it usually helps to break the pattern and then teach the body the right way again,” she says.

Karlsson admits she is worried about the Olympics but still hopes it will not derail her plans.

“Yes, but at the same time, I’ve had several periods like this before, and I know it’s something that can be fixed quite quickly,” she said after her exit in the sprint prologue on Saturday.

She is the second Swedish athlete to withdraw from this year’s Tour de Ski. Emma Ribom pulled out earlier in the week.

Also Read: Tour de Ski 2025/2026: Standings, start lists and start times ahead of the Final Climb

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