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UMEÅ, Sweden – Jonna Sundling secured her Swedish championship title in the women’s 10km freestyle cross-country ski race on Saturday, laying the groundwork for victory with a blistering opening kilometer. The 29-year-old Sundling finished the course in 26 minutes and 17.6 seconds, a testament to her early pace and endurance. This win marks another significant achievement for Sundling, a consistent performer on the Swedish national team and a veteran of multiple international competitions.
The race, held in Umeå, showcased a high level of competition among Sweden’s top female skiers. Moa Ilar finished second, trailing Sundling by 9.3 seconds, even as Ebba Andersson claimed the bronze medal, 10.6 seconds behind the winner. Linn Svahn, who has been demonstrating impressive form recently, narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth with a time 14.9 seconds slower than Sundling’s. The tight margins highlight the depth of talent within Swedish cross-country skiing.
A Dominant Start Sets the Tone
Sundling’s strategy was immediately apparent. She exploded off the start line, completing the first kilometer a full 13.2 seconds faster than any other competitor. This aggressive approach effectively established a lead she would maintain throughout the race. “It was a conscious decision to go out hard,” Sundling told Swedish broadcaster SVT after the race (as reported by SVT Sport). “I felt good and wanted to put pressure on the others from the beginning.”
The early pace proved decisive, forcing her rivals to respond and expend energy trying to close the gap. While Ilar, Andersson, and Svahn all put in strong performances, they were unable to reel in Sundling’s initial advantage. The race demonstrated the importance of a strong start in a 10km freestyle event, where maintaining a consistent pace is crucial.
Karlsson’s Absence and the Competitive Field
Notably absent from the competition was Frida Karlsson, one of Sweden’s leading cross-country skiers. While the reason for her non-participation wasn’t immediately detailed, her absence opened the door for other athletes to contend for the national title. Karlsson’s consistent presence on the podium makes her absence a talking point within the Swedish skiing community.
The remaining field showcased the strength of Swedish women’s cross-country skiing. Elin Henriksson finished fifth, followed by Moa Lundgren in sixth and Johanna Hagström in seventh. Märta Rosenberg, Evelina Crüsell, and Lisa Eriksson rounded out the top ten, demonstrating the competitive depth within the national program. The full results are available on the FIS website: FIS Ski Cross-Country Results.
Sundling’s Continued Success
Jonna Sundling’s victory adds to a career already marked by significant achievements. She has represented Sweden at multiple World Championships and Olympic Games, consistently delivering strong performances. Her success is built on a combination of technical skill, physical endurance, and tactical awareness. She’s known for her powerful skating technique and her ability to maintain a high pace throughout a race.
Sundling’s win comes at a crucial time as Swedish skiers prepare for upcoming international competitions. The Swedish national team is aiming for strong results at the next World Championships and the Winter Olympics, and Sundling’s performance in Umeå signals she is in excellent form. The team will be looking to build on this momentum as they continue their preparations.
Swedish Ski Championships Umeå – March 28, 2026 – Women’s 10km Freestyle Results
Damernas 10 km (f) intervallstart
| # | Idrottare | Resultat |
| 1. | Jonna Sundling 🇸🇪 | 26.17,6 |
| 2. | Moa Ilar 🇸🇪 | +9,3 |
| 3. | Ebba Andersson 🇸🇪 | +10,6 |
| 4. | Linn Svahn 🇸🇪 | +14,9 |
| 5. | Elin Henriksson 🇸🇪 | +42,6 |
| 6. | Moa Lundgren 🇸🇪 | +48,6 |
| 7. | Johanna Hagström 🇸🇪 | +50,4 |
| 8. | Märta Rosenberg 🇸🇪 | +56,3 |
| 9. | Evelina Crüsell 🇸🇪 | +58,3 |
| 10. | Lisa Eriksson 🇸🇪 | +1.07,0 |
Looking ahead, the Swedish national team will continue their training and competition schedule, with the next major event being the Scandinavian Cup series in early April. Sundling’s performance in Umeå provides a strong foundation for continued success, and she will undoubtedly be a key contender in future races. The team’s focus will now shift to refining their strategies and preparing for the challenges of the international circuit.
What did you think of Sundling’s dominant performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow cross-country skiing fans.
