While stars like Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, Frida Karlsson, and Ebba Andersson celebrated medals in all directions, many others left the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics with unfulfilled expectations.

Here, senior editor Kjell-Erik Kristiansen highlights some of those whose Olympic dreams did not materialize.

Jessie Diggins

She fought in her usual determined style in what was her final Olympics. But the form we are accustomed to seeing was not quite there. A bronze medal in the 10km secured at least one podium finish, yet Diggins, who leads the overall World Cup, had hoped for more. She has rarely been so clearly distanced by Karlsson and Andersson.

Moa Ilar

Arriving as number two in the World Cup standings, Ilar struggled throughout the Games. It appears that both Ilar and Diggins, battling for the overall title, may have paid the price for a heavy competition schedule leading into the Olympics. Neither the courses nor the snow conditions favored her. She returned home before the 50km, where Sweden ultimately fielded only two starters.

Mika Vermeulen

The Austrian was considered a contender earlier in the season, but illness disrupted much of his winter.

Sweden’s men’s cross-country team

A historic disappointment. Finishing last in the men’s relay summed up the situation. The inclusion of Calle Halfvarsson, who had struggled to find results throughout the season, highlighted the lack of depth. Edvin Anger never found his form in Italy, and for William Poromaa, much of the winter has been difficult. Questions about depth and future development now surround Swedish men’s cross-country skiing.

Erik Valnes, Harald Østberg Amundsen, Mattis Stenshagen

All three worked hard to secure Olympic selection but returned home without medals. Stenshagen struggled in the skiathlon and departed early. Valnes fell ill yet reached the sprint final before running out of energy. Østberg Amundsen crashed in the skiathlon, missed relay selection, and later withdrew from the 50km.

Astrid Øyre Slind

What was expected to be her big opportunity ended in frustration. From the start of the 50km, her skis were not competitive. She eventually withdrew in tears. It was a particularly unfortunate day for equipment issues. She can still take pride in her strong relay leg and Olympic gold with the team.

Sweden’s management in the women’s 50km

The decision-making around team selection raised eyebrows when Sweden started only two athletes in the 50km, despite having four possible spots. At the Olympics, margins are small, and preparation is everything.

Kristine Stavås Skistad

Much had been said ahead of the sprint showdown. In the end, she could not keep up with the Swedish sprint team. To compete for Olympic gold, improvements in endurance and climbing ability may be necessary.

Iivo Niskanen

Has the era come to an end? His independent training project has not delivered the expected results, and illness during the Games further complicated matters. He attempted the 50km but was forced to withdraw. Finland’s men left without a medal.

Krista Pärmäkoski

She had already indicated that this would likely be her final championship. Her 21st place in the 50km, more than 17 minutes behind the winner, reflected a difficult Olympic campaign.

Dariya Nepryaeva

In the 50km, she entered the wrong ski service box and left with another athlete’s skis, an unusual and costly mistake. She was later disqualified.

Johanna Hagström

A surprising quarterfinal exit in the sprint ended her Olympics early. She later returned home and won the Ski Classics Challengers events Skinnarloppet and Tjejvasan, showing that form was still present, just not in Italy.

Women’s 50km

The inaugural Olympic women’s 50km divided opinion. The large time gaps, more than two minutes between gold and silver and nearly nine minutes between first and tenth, reduced the competitive drama.

Aside from the bronze battle, there was little excitement. Bring back the 30km for women! 

Sebastian Samuelsson

Struggled to find peak form and battled equipment issues, a difficult championship for one of Sweden’s major hopes.

Tommaso Giacomel

After silver in the mixed relay, expectations were high. But results declined, and he eventually withdrew from the mass start after leading early. Fortunately, reports indicated nothing serious, but the home Olympics did not unfold as hoped.

Sweden’s women’s biathlon team

One relay silver but no individual medals fell short of expectations. Margins on the shooting range and ski speed made the difference.

Justine Braisaz-Bouchet

Olympic champion in Beijing and World Champion thereafter, but inconsistent shooting cost her dearly. Six penalty loops in the mass start reflected a championship far below her standard.

Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold

Struggled significantly on the range, accumulating heavy penalties and losing relay selection. A difficult Olympics that highlighted clear areas for improvement.

Germany’s biathlon team

After bronze in the mixed relay, results declined. Franziska Preuss ended her Olympic career without an individual medal. Philipp Horn narrowly missed the podium in the mass start. Germany now faces important rebuilding work.

Also Read – Olympics 2026: All medalists in cross-country skiing and biathlon

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