Ebba Andersson won WC gold in completely superior style.
Then Petter Northug could hardly believe his eyes.
– Insanely impressive, says the icon.
Frida Karlsson was perhaps the biggest favorite before the women’s skiathlon in the World Ski Championships. The star won the Tour de Ski just a few months ago – but didn’t stand a chance against another Swede, who made the race of her life in Planica.
Incredible effort
Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson were at the front of a top bunch when it was time to change skis halfway into the race. Then she made her move. Frida Karlsson did not manage to hold on to Ebba Andersson’s back, and the distance between the two stars quickly increased.
Ebba Andersson could even afford to fall once on a downhill. The distance to Karlsson then shrunk to 10 seconds – but the distance increased just as quickly. Ebba Andersson was simply too good today, and she eventually won gold in completely superior style, ahead of Frida Karlsson who won silver.
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Northug’s Tribute
Norway eventually won silver via the 35-year-old World Cup debutant Astrid Öyre Slind, but in our neighboring country one could not help but be impressed by Ebba Andersson’s magical effort. Expert Petter Northug could hardly believe his eyes when she made her move.
– It’s fantastically cruel of Ebba. She did like Krüger on the men’s side yesterday, and went out really hard after the ski change and had to go alone in the lead. Simply insanely impressive by Ebba. Frida tried to take her, and got out completely, but all in all a very well-deserved first and second place for Sweden, he says.
It was, understandably, an extremely happy Ebba Andersson after the race.
– I hardly believe it to be true. It’s something I worked so hard for and for so long, but even though it really was a fact when I crossed the finish line, it was hard to take in, she tells Viaplay, and continues:
– Right now it’s just a mix of all sorts of emotions, but above all I’m so very happy, this means a lot to me.
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