It was an exciting finish in the men’s 10-kilometer race at the Swedish Championships. After a strong final push, IFK Mora’s Eric Rosjö claimed the top spot on the podium.

In the men’s 10-kilometer race at the Swedish Championships, it was a tight battle between IFK Mora’s Eric Rosjö and Piteå Elit’s Fredrik Andersson. Andersson was ahead of Rosjö for most of the race, but at the final intermediate time check, he was half a second behind.

Then Eric Rosjö delivered a strong finish and crossed the line 18.9 seconds ahead of Andersson. Thursday’s gold medal marks Rosjö’s first individual Swedish Championship title of his career.

“It feels incredibly good after a somewhat shaky season. It’s an amazing feeling to end on a high note,” Eric Rosjö told Expressen after finishing.

Fredrik Andersson, who has had a tough season, was satisfied with the silver medal.

“After this season, it means a lot just to have a body that’s working with me again. That’s what I value most—feeling sharp while skiing. It was really fun today,” he told Expressen.

In the battle for third place, Leo Johansson had a strong finish and knocked Johan Häggström off the podium.

Halfvarsson 3 Minutes Behind

Swedish national team veteran Calle Halfvarsson finished 51st in the opening race of the championships, which was supposed to mark his comeback. He was three minutes behind the winner in the 10-kilometer race.

Halfvarsson had bad luck during the World Championships in Trondheim, where he fell ill mid-competition. Now, the 35-year-old was ready to make a strong comeback at the Swedish Championships, which started with the 10-kilometer classic race in Kalix on Thursday afternoon.

But early in the race, footage emerged of the national team veteran that stunned both experts and spectators: Halfvarsson was seen trudging up the hills, looking like he was out for a Sunday stroll. As his split times worsened, his confidence dwindled.

“I wasn’t any better than this today. I tried at the beginning, but then I was too slow going uphill. I struggle in these conditions, and it makes me frustrated,” Halfvarsson told Expressen.

“I don’t know what I’m even racing for today.”

Top 3 Men 10km

1. Eric Rosjö, IFK Mora, 30:41.5
2. Fredrik Andersson, Piteå Elit, +18.9
3. Leo Johansson, Falun-Borlänge SK, +36.0

You can find all the results here.

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