Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson embraced each other in a fantastic congratulatory hug after the Swedish double.
Now Karlsson reveals what she said.
– It’s really just a matter of lifting your hat, says Karlsson.
Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson made it clear to the other competitors early on that they would be hard to beat today. The Swedish duo was at the top when half the race was completed and it was time to change skis, but after that it went quickly.
Wonderful Swedish double
Ebba Andersson has been in the shape of her life during the winter, and she, together with Karlsson, was the big gold favorite before the WC skiathlon. Karlsson won the Tour de Ski just a month or so ago, but didn’t have a chance to keep up with Ebba Andersson when she made her big gold move.
Ebba Andersson looked to be heading for a win in just over half a minute, with a fall on a downhill made for a bit of drama. Frida Karlsson got closer – but Ebba Andersson made a quick move, and when she crossed the finish line, the distance to Karlsson, in silver, was over 20 seconds. But Frida Karlsson was not depressed about it.
READ MORE: WC SUCCESS! Ebba Andersson wins gold and Frida Karlsson silver – Swedish double in skiathlon
Revealing the words
Immediately when she crossed the finish line, she rode with open arms – and she embraced gold medalist Ebba Andersson in a beautiful congratulatory hug. In Viaplay, Frida Karlsson was asked what she said to Ebba Andersson when the wonderful images unfolded.
– I just looked her in the eyes and asked if she understood what she had done, says an exuberantly happy Karlsson.
Frida Karlsson believes that she did not have the strength to keep up with Ebba Andersson when she made her golden move, and was greatly impressed by her compatriot afterwards.
– With the conditions that were today, I am super satisfied, and Ebba was really super strong. It’s really a tip of the hat, she says.
READ MORE: The incredible tributes to Ebba Andersson after the WC gold – Petter Northug in shock: “Insane”