Calle Halfvarsson and Edvin Anger have both ended their World Cup seasons early, with Halfvarsson not selected for the 50km race in Holmenkollen and also choosing not to compete due to poor form, according to multiple reports. He is considering competing in the Swedish Championships in Umeå or the 50km race in Idre on April 11, sources indicate. Multiple reports indicate he is leaning toward competing for one more season, partly because of the home World Championships in Falun next year, which could provide motivation for a final campaign.
Emil Iversen, who won bronze in the 50km at the Olympics and was part of the Norwegian relay team that won gold, is uncertain about continuing his career and is considering options like reality TV or ordering new roller skis, according to official sources. He missed World Cup races in Falun, Lahti, and Holmenkollen due to illness after the Olympics, major media reports confirm. Iversen has been advised by his health team not to race the 50km in Holmenkollen due to illness recovery, sources said, highlighting the severity of his post-Olympic health struggles. He is training again and aims to race some World Cup events, with the goal of finishing the season well in Lake Placid, according to major media reports, suggesting a cautious return to competition.
Public support for Iversen is evident, as NRK started a poll where most respondents so far want him to continue, official sources confirm, reflecting fan enthusiasm for his career. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo is open to continuing training with Emil Iversen next season, according to major media reports, indicating potential team support for his recovery and future plans.
We are preparing for the World Cup. We will boycott the USA, but not the World Cup.
Einar Hedegart won the Holmenkollen 50km on his first attempt and has won three of his last four individual World Cup races in freestyle, major media reports indicate, showcasing his recent dominance in the sport. He is considering a return to biathlon and plans to compete in the biathlon Norwegian Championships in April, according to multiple sources, pointing to a possible career shift. Hedegart is open to joining the national team if offered, sources said, suggesting flexibility in his athletic pursuits.
Oskar Svensson is considering retirement due to poor performance and health issues, including COVID and a body unresponsive to training, major media reports state, detailing the challenges he has faced this season. He says several Swedish male skiers have had an unexpectedly tough winter despite strong training seasons, according to multiple reports, hinting at broader issues within the team. Svensson still has confidence in the national team leadership if they are open to feedback and corrections, sources indicate, emphasizing the importance of communication for improvement.
In unrelated sports news, Iran's football federation is preparing to participate in the World Cup despite U.S. attacks on Iran, according to Iran's football president Mehdi Taj, showing determination amid geopolitical tensions. However, Iran's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali stated that current circumstances make it impossible for Iran to participate in the World Cup, creating uncertainty about their involvement. Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico is willing to host Iran's World Cup matches, offering a potential solution, but FIFA has been lukewarm to the idea of Mexico hosting Iran's World Cup matches, according to major media reports, indicating bureaucratic hurdles.