Milano Cortina, Italy – Ebba Andersson of Sweden etched her name in Olympic history on Sunday, winning the gold medal in the women’s 50km classical cross-country ski race. The race, held at the Cross country and biathlon center Fabio Canal in Tesero, marked the first time the women’s 50km event has been contested at the Olympic Winter Games, replacing the previous 30km distance. Andersson completed the course in 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 28.2 seconds, securing her first Olympic gold after a series of silver medals at these Games.
The Swedish skier finished a significant 2 minutes and 15.3 seconds ahead of Norway’s Heidi Weng, who took silver. Switzerland’s Nadja Kälin rounded out the podium with a bronze medal, finishing 6 minutes and 41.5 seconds behind Andersson. The competition saw 41 athletes start, with 33 ultimately crossing the finish line, demonstrating the grueling nature of the extended distance.
Latvia as well saw a strong performance from Patrīcija Eiduka, who achieved the best result in Latvian cross-country skiing history at the Olympics, finishing 11th. Eiduka completed the race 9 minutes and 13.9 seconds behind the gold medalist. This result builds on her previous performances at the Milano Cortina Games, where she placed 15th in the 10km freestyle and 23rd in the 20km skiathlon.
The race wasn’t without its drama. Initially finishing 11th, neutral athlete Darya Nepryaeva was subsequently disqualified for taking the wrong skis at a changeover point, according to reports. This reshuffled the final standings and elevated Eiduka’s position.
Andersson’s victory comes after a strong showing throughout the Games, consistently placing among the top contenders. Her win underscores her dominance in distance events and solidifies her position as a leading figure in cross-country skiing. The women’s 50 kilometre classical competition was a highly anticipated event, marking a significant change in the Olympic program.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are drawing to a close this evening, bringing an end to a fortnight of thrilling competition. The Games have showcased exceptional athletic performances across a range of winter sports, and the women’s 50km ski race provided a fitting climax to the cross-country skiing program.
Looking ahead, the impact of this expanded distance on future Olympic programs will be closely watched. The success of the inaugural 50km event suggests a potential shift towards longer, more demanding races in women’s cross-country skiing. The performances of athletes like Andersson, Weng, and Kälin will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of skiers to push the boundaries of endurance and skill.
What are your thoughts on the addition of the 50km race to the Olympic program? Share your comments below and let us know what you thought of the competition!
