By Philip O’Connor
ZHANGJIAKOU, China (Reuters) – Frida Karlsson has not been included in Sweden’s team for Sunday’s 30km freestyle race, the final cross-country skiing competition of the Beijing Olympics, as she needs to take time to recover, the Swedish team said on Friday.
Karlsson, who is currently sixth in the World Cup standings, has struggled to find her best form in Beijing, collapsing after finishing fifth in the opening skiathlon race and finishing 12th in the 10km classic.
The Swedish team released a statement saying that Karlsson would not compete in the 30km race and that she would instead travel home to recuperate after her Olympic exertions.
“The medical assessment is that she would benefit from a little more recovery. She can stand at the starting line for the 30km, but the assessment is that in the long run it is best to skip Sunday,” team doctor Jan Wall said.
“I did not reach my goals. It feels heavy, and crappy, and empty now, but wow!! There are much worse things in life. Thank you for the experience, for the challenges and for the support. That’s what’s going to get me there next time,” Karlsson wrote on Instagram.
The Swedes will be represented by Ebba Andersson, Charlotte Kalla, Emma Ribom and Jonna Sundling.
(Reporting by Philip O’Connor; Editing by Toby Davis)
