Alvar Myhlback has fooled both fans and experts. But the way the national team informed the junior sensation about his selection is, to put it mildly, surprising. Now he breaks his silence.

Time and again, the junior comet has stated that for him, World Cup races and traditional cross-country skiing are merely preparation for long-distance skiing. He has also insisted that he would not sacrifice a single Ski Classics race for the World Cup. Now, however, he is set to compete in both the Tour de Ski and the Olympic Games.

Also Read: Swedish national team for Tour de Ski 2025/2026

 “Not completely honest”

Now that his Olympic spot is a fact, Alvar Myhlback admits that he has been playing things down. The reality is that the 19-year-old Swede deliberately talked down his Olympic ambitions to avoid pressure, even though the Olympics have been on his mind all along.

“I may not have been completely open and honest, but the thought of the Olympics has always been there. I didn’t want to put unnecessary pressure on myself,” Myhlback told Aftonbladet in connection with the selection earlier this week, and continued:

“But I know that my long-distance training will suit sprinting well, and there is a classic sprint at the Olympics, so that will suit me nicely. Of course, the Olympics will be really cool.”

Outsmarted by the national team coach: “Damn mean”

The 19-year-old was one of 12 skiers who received the green light for the 2026 Olympics this week. But in the latest episode of SVT’s documentary Utan Filter, Myhlback reveals how it happened when national team coach Lars Ljung called to deliver the news, live on SVT.

Myhlback is standing partially naked, with only a towel around his waist.

“Do we really need video? I’m standing here completely naked,” he says.

“Yes, of course. But angle the camera a bit,” Ljung replies.

Ljung then tells Myhlback that he should prepare for some news. The coach explains that Myhlback is selected for the Tour de Ski, where he has a free spot since he is among the top 20 in the sprint cup.

“That’s nice and well deserved,” says Ljung.

Myhlback does not exactly jump for joy at that news.

“You’re not entirely happy with that, are you?” Ljung asks, before adding:

“But there was one more thing.”

Ljung then reveals that Myhlback has also been selected for the Olympics. When the 19-year-old realizes that Ljung mentioned the Tour de Ski spot only to trick him, he reacts:

“You’re so damn mean!”

Ljung bursts out laughing.

“Sorry, I just had to,” he says.

All in for the Olympics – except the 50km

Myhlback himself suggests that he considers himself a candidate for almost all Olympic events, except one. The young skier who won Vasaloppet after a sprint that took the breath away from both rivals and commentators, rules himself out of the 50km.

“I don’t think I’m good enough there. I don’t think it’s realistic right now,” he says.

Myhlback already has a standing invitation to race the Tour de Ski. So far, however, the young star has kept the national team waiting.

The women’s team is fully selected

The 19-year-old was one of 12 athletes who received the green light for the 2026 Olympics this week: seven cross-country skiers and five biathletes. Previously, nine athletes had already been told to set aside the period from February 6 to 22.

With Tuesday’s selection, Sweden has now filled the entire women’s team. On the men’s side, the Swedish Olympic Committee will select three additional cross-country skiers.

Read More: Seven new Swedish cross-country skiers confirmed for the 2026 Winter Olympics

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