Cross-country skiing: Frida Karlsson makes history after the 50 km
She had been chasing it for several years now. Silver medallist in the individual classic and bronze medallist in the 30 kilometre skate in Seefeld (Austria) in 2019 at just 20 years of age, Frida Karlsson achieved her first major feat in the eyes of the whole world.
Since then, the Swede has established herself as one of the best on the circuit. However, in 2021 in Oberstdorf (Germany) and in 2023 in Planica (Slovenia), the 25-year-old cross-country skier never managed to win a medal on this world stage.
Third in the individual classic held a few days earlier at this 2025 edition of the world cross-country skiing championships, the Scandinavian showed that she was arriving in good form in Trondheim (Norway). The Sollefteå (Norway) native was in contention for a silver medal in the closing 50km skate on Sunday, and finally lived up to her billing.
Still in the leading group, Frida Karlsson then impressed with her perfect race management. Controlling Therese Johaug, the star of the day on home soil, the Swede then provided the fatal acceleration at the very end of the course. In snow that had rarely been stirred up, she pulled out all the stops to go for gold in the final straight.
A real consecration, as the young woman became the very first 50km world champion since the introduction of equal distances for men and women: “I’m overwhelmed by the emotions,” she confides to Viaplay with tears in her eyes.
“I don’t really know how I feel. I feel like it’s all happening in one big wave. I had no expectations for this race,” she admits. It’s been difficult to get here. I never thought I’d win this title. I’m so satisfied and proud of how far I’ve come.
Read also
- Trondheim: Frida Karlsson becomes 50 km skateboard world champion in dreadful conditions, Flora Dolci finishes in an excellent top 10
- “We’ll remember this for the rest of our lives”: in front of more than 100,000 people, Hugo Lapalus, Jules Lapierre and Victor Lovera competed in the legendary 50 km of the World Championships.
- Trondheim: Johannes Hoesflot Klæbo wins an historic sixth gold medal in the 50km skate, Hugo Lapalus tops the French rankings
- Trondheim: Johannes Hoesflot Klæbo makes history by completing the grand slam at the World Championships
