In a spectacular performance, Sweden’s Frida Karlsson claimed her first-ever individual gold in women’s skiathlon.
Karlsson, a two-time Olympian and three-time world champion, finished the race at 53 minutes 45 seconds. She completed the course 51 seconds ahead of the second competitor; no one else was in the frame when she crossed the finish line. Karlsson was followed by Sweden’s Ebba Anderson, who finished at 54 minutes 36 seconds, and Norway’s Heidi Weng, who finished at 55 minutes 11 seconds.
At the midway point of the race as the skiers switched from classic to freestyle technique Andersson and Karlsson broke away to gain the lead. Meanwhile, Weng got off to moderate start. She came in at 8th place at the pit stop before racing up five places in the freestyle technique to her second Olympic bronze medal.
In the first classic technique lap, the United States’ Jessie Diggins was delayed when Finland’s Vilma Nissinen fell at a downhill turn. This mishap caused Diggins to be caught up in traffic and fight through the first laps to make up time. She finished in 8th place.
Going into the race, Diggins was considered a medal contender as the highest ranked women’s distanced skier. After the crash she was able to gain back time and climbed her way to 8th place with her strong freestyle skiing. Prior to the games, she worked with her teammates to strengthen her classic style which she'll use in the women's individual sprint classic on Tuesday, Feb. 10.
“It’s really hard to have all the puzzle pieces come together in the way you need them to, and we’re going to keep working on it, and we’re going to get it right,” Diggins told NBC Sports after the race. “But I’m just really encouraged by what I’m doing, I’m going to keep giving everything I have, and proud of myself for not giving up and fighting back.”
Team USA's Julia Kern placed 24th, Novie McCabe place 26th, and Rosie Brennan placed 37th.
This was the first of 12 cross country events at Milan Cortina. At Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, the weather conditions were cloudy, with a wind speed of 4 MPH, a temperature of 41°F, and 94% humidity.