Today, the Swedish Olympic Committee (SOK) presented new names for the Olympic Games in Beijing 2022. Among the names were eight cross-country skiers, including Maja Dahlqvist and Emma Ribom.
On the men's side there is one place left to fill and on the women's side two.
Among the ladies, three sprinters are selected and three distance skiers.
SVT Sports expert Anders Blomquist believes that Johanna Hagström and Anna Dyvik are fighting for the last sprint spot.
- These are strong names that are still not quite clear.
And on the sprint side, both Dyvik and Hagström have a real chance to fight for medals if they are selected and allowed to go.
As I see it, there is a place left in the sprint team and they will make up for it during the Tour de Ski.
It will be very thrilling, says Blomquist.
Decided during the Tour de Ski
Hagström finished second in that classic-style sprint in Ruka in November and Dyvik won the sprint in the Swedish premiere in Gällivare the weekend before.
- These are two very strong names.
Hagström has been on the podium even though it was a classic sprint, so it is a message of strength for her.
Dyvik is perhaps more all-round and even though we have a strong distance team, there may be a need in a relay or in one of the distance races.
Who do you consider to be the favorite to take an Olympic place?
- Maybe that Johanna has a small advantage by virtue of placements, but it will be decided during the tour.
If one of them goes very well there, then I think that person will go to the Olympics.
Charlotte Kalla has not been selected yet either.
- It's a very tough situation.
She has shown many times that she can mobilize form and do fantastic races when it is championships but now she needs to do it before.
If she does not do well during the tour, she will not be allowed to go to the Olympics, so the tour will be very important.