Sweden took another gold.
Then Norway could do nothing but pay tribute to Jonna Sundling and Emma Ribom.
– Norway learned a lesson, says Petter Northug.
Sweden were huge favorites for Sunday’s sprint relay in the WC, and no wonder. When the sprint was decided earlier this week, the blue and yellow skaters finished first, second, third and fourth. The gold and silver medalists from that race got the chance for Sweden in the team sprint.
Incredible gold rush
However, Jonna Sundling and Emma Ribom’s qualification left some question marks. Jonna Sundling matched USA’s Jessie Diggins who went out hard, but Emma Ribom dropped seconds – and Sweden was only second in the qualifier, a shock considering how superior Sweden was earlier in the week.
But during the race, above all, Jonna Sundling showed what a ridiculous class she is. Emma Ribom had a fantastic competition, and Sweden’s tactics were perfect. On the last hill, Jonna Sundling made an already classic gold rush, and then no one could keep up. Sweden’s ladies won their third gold in as many competitions during this year’s WC, and no one was really surprised.
READ MORE: WC GOLD! Jonna Sundling and Emma Ribom win the sprint relay after great drama
“Taught a lesson”
Norway, which has not had its strength in the team sprint in recent years, was second – but quickly found that there was nothing to do. Tributes to Jonna Sundling and Emma Ribom are now pouring in from our neighboring country, and Petter Northug can only shake his head at the dominance.
– Norway learned a lesson towards the end. I think Norway does the job well. But when Jonna Sundling pulls, she is perfectly suited, and she shows who is the world’s best sprinter. I think Norway is very, very happy with silver here, says Northug.
Northug believes that Sweden lived up to the pressure, and that they were rightfully huge favourites.
– Sweden were big favourites. Norway had nothing to oppose at the end, and then it was a victory for Sweden. It was a bit of “see and learn” for Norway towards the end, but then we have to bet on taking Sweden to the WC in Trondheim in two years.
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