Jessie Diggins won WC gold ahead of Sweden.
Then Norwegian experts rejoice outright.
– Isn’t it delicious?, says Torgeir Björn.
Sweden were huge favorites ahead of Tuesday’s 10 kilometer race in the World Ski Championships. Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson secured a Swedish double during the skiathlon this weekend, and in advance few people predicted a different outcome this time as well.
Gold dominance broken
But there was one American who wanted something else. Jessie Diggins kept up with the Swedes halfway into the race, but then did an absolutely brilliant second lap of the race. Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson dropped seconds with each split, and in the end it wasn’t even very close.
Jessie Diggins won gold, ahead of Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson – thus breaking the Swedish gold dominance on the women’s side during this WC. Sweden had won three out of three competitions before Tuesday’s race, and also took three more medals. In Norway, people were very impressed by what Diggins showed.
– Diggins puts together a fantastic race, she laid out a good plan and managed to keep up the pace, but Frida really fought and chased Diggins, says Petter Northug.
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Norwegian great joy
But there were other experts who were also jubilant. In cross-country skiing, it is often discussed how bad the Swedish-Norwegian dominance is for the regrowth of the sport, and that smaller nations have difficulty keeping up. When Jessie Diggins won, the receipt came that skaters who do not come from Sweden or Norway can compete.
– Isn’t it delicious? That needed international cross-country skiing, says an exuberantly happy NRK expert in Torgeir Björn.
Therese Johaug was also very impressed with Diggins, and agreed that it is important for cross-country skiing in the long run that other nations win World Cup medals. Sweden has now won a total of seven WC medals – and is also still the heavy favorite in Thursday’s relay.
READ MORE: Huge drama: Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson miss out on the WC gold – the Swedes have to settle for silver and bronze again