Frida Karlsson Secures Double Gold at Milano Cortina 2026
London, 12 February 2026 – Swedish cross-country skiing sensation Frida Karlsson has cemented her status as the “new queen” of the sport, securing her second gold medal of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Following her dominant victory in the skiathlon earlier this week, Karlsson delivered an imperious performance in the women’s 10km interval start freestyle on Thursday, leading a Swedish contingent that has so far dominated the cross-country events in the Italian Alps.
Olympic Dominance in Val di Fiemme
Karlsson’s second gold medal came with a finishing time of 22:49.2, finishing comfortably ahead of her compatriot Ebba Andersson. The victory marks a historic run for the 26-year-old, who had previously faced questions regarding her consistency earlier in the season. Speaking after her first victory, Karlsson noted that her “body felt amazing” and described herself as being “in love with skiing.”
The 10km freestyle race was also notable for the resilience of American athlete Jessie Diggins, who battled through a rib injury to claim the bronze medal. However, the day belonged to Sweden, with Karlsson and Andersson securing a one-two finish for their nation. This follows Karlsson’s opening success on Saturday, 7 February, where she won the 20km skiathlon, pulling clear of the field in the freestyle leg to claim her first individual Olympic gold.
Athlete Profile: Key Facts
Frida Karlsson has risen through the ranks of international skiing to become one of Sweden’s most decorated contemporary athletes. Below are the essential details regarding her career and background.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Frida Elisabeth Karlsson |
| Date of Birth | 10 August 1999 |
| Nationality | Swedish |
| Club | Sollefteå Skidor IF |
| 2026 Olympic Medals | Gold (20km Skiathlon), Gold (10km Freestyle) |
| Previous Olympic Honours | Bronze (4 × 5km Relay, Beijing 2022) |
| Equipment Partner | Fischer Sports |
| Favourite Venue | Holmenkollen, Norway |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gold medals has Frida Karlsson won at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
As of 12 February 2026, Frida Karlsson has won two gold medals. Her first came in the 20km skiathlon on 7 February, and her second was achieved in the 10km interval start freestyle on 12 February.
Who are Frida Karlsson’s main rivals in the 2026 Games?
Karlsson’s primary competition has come from her own teammate, Ebba Andersson, who has secured silver in both events won by Karlsson. Other significant competitors include American Jessie Diggins, who took bronze in the 10km freestyle.
What was Karlsson’s previous Olympic experience?
Prior to her breakout success at Milano Cortina 2026, Karlsson competed in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, where she earned a bronze medal as part of the Swedish women’s 4 × 5km relay team.
Where are the cross-country skiing events being held?
The cross-country skiing events for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are taking place in Val di Fiemme, Italy.