Ebba Andersson: The Swedish Skiing Star’s Dramatic 2026 Olympic Campaign

MILAN, 22 February 2026 — As the flame begins to dim on the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, one name has dominated the cross-country skiing headlines: Ebba Andersson. The 28-year-old Swedish powerhouse has navigated a fortnight of extreme highs and heart-stopping drama, cementing her status as one of the most resilient athletes in the sport’s history.

Olympic Silver and the “Miracle” Relay Recovery

The 2026 Games have been a rollercoaster for Andersson. While she entered the competition as a reigning world champion, her path to the podium in Italy was anything but straightforward. In the women’s 4×7.5km relay held earlier this week, Andersson was involved in one of the most talked-about moments of the Games.

During the second leg of the relay, Andersson suffered two crashes in difficult, powdery snow conditions. In a moment that has since gone viral, she was forced to run up a portion of the track with one ski tucked under her arm after losing her equipment in a wipeout. Despite losing a seven-second lead and falling behind, Andersson’s grit allowed the Swedish team—consisting of Linn Svahn, Andersson, Frida Karlsson, and Jonna Sundling—to rally and secure an improbable silver medal behind Norway.

Individual Success in the Skiathlon

Earlier in the Games, Andersson proved her individual form by claiming the silver medal in the women’s 15km + 15km Skiathlon. She finished just behind her teammate and long-time rival Frida Karlsson, marking a dominant 1-2 finish for Sweden. This performance followed her established reputation as a distance specialist, having previously secured gold in the skiathlon and 30km events at the 2023 World Championships.

Career Profile: From Junior Prodigy to World Champion

Born on 10 July 1997, Ebba Andersson has been a fixture of the FIS Cross-Country World Cup circuit for nearly a decade. Representing Piteå Elit SK, she first broke onto the international scene at the 2017 World Championships in Lahti. Since then, she has consistently been the backbone of the Swedish national team.

Major Career Milestones

• 2019 Seefeld World Championships: Won her first World Championship gold in the 4x5km relay.
• 2023 Planica World Championships: Became a double individual World Champion (Skiathlon and 30km Classic).
• 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics: Secured silver in the Skiathlon and a dramatic silver in the 4×7.5km relay.

The New Frontier: The Women’s 50km Finale

The 2026 Winter Olympics marked a historic shift in the sport with the introduction of the women’s 50km mass start as the closing event, matching the distance traditionally reserved for men. Andersson, known for her immense aerobic capacity and endurance, was cited by analysts as a primary contender for this inaugural Olympic marathon. This change reflects the evolving landscape of cross-country skiing, where Andersson has long advocated for equal distances across genders.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many medals did Ebba Andersson win at the 2026 Olympics?

As of the final weekend of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Ebba Andersson has secured two silver medals: one in the individual 15km + 15km Skiathlon and one in the women’s 4×7.5km relay.

What happened to Ebba Andersson in the 2026 relay?

Andersson crashed twice during the second leg of the relay. During one of the falls, she lost a ski and had to run on foot while carrying it to a point where she could re-attach it. Despite the delay, her recovery helped Sweden stay in medal contention to eventually win silver.

Who are Ebba Andersson’s main rivals?

Her primary competition often comes from within her own team, specifically Frida Karlsson and Jonna Sundling, as well as international stars like Jessie Diggins (USA) and the Norwegian distance squad led by Heidi Weng.

What club does Ebba Andersson represent?

She competes for Piteå Elit SK in Sweden.