Cross-country skiing : “I have just learned that I have not been selected for the team sprint, without any convincing or transparent arguments”, writes Anja Weber
For Switzerland’s Anja Weber, the Milan/Cortina 2026 Olympic Games have come to a bitter end. The 24-year-old cross-country skier will not be taking part in the sprint team, scheduled for Wednesday, which is a huge disappointment for her. In a lengthy message posted on Instagram, she spoke of her non-selection.
“I’m really disappointed to have to withdraw from the Olympic Games already. After a solid and consistent season in all the disciplines, and being the only Swiss athlete to have met 100% of the Olympic selection criteria in each of them, I felt ready and confident about my form going into these Games,” she begins.
“With the aim of committing myself fully to the team events, I took the decision to give up the 10km skate, which is nevertheless my second best discipline this season. However, I have just learned that I have not been selected for the team sprint, without any convincing or transparent arguments. The way the whole process has been handled has been neither fair nor acceptable.”
“I’ve always put the team first, even when that meant giving up an individual race where I was the best Swiss athlete throughout the season. Selections are never easy and I respect that responsibility. But transparency, fairness and honest communication must always be the basis.
“This decision is not in my hands, but it’s important to speak out when things aren’t being managed properly. These last few days have not been easy. I’m incredibly grateful to the people around me – the best I could hope for. And as they say… I’ll be back even stronger.”
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