Sport

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire gymnastics team delivered a record-breaking performance Thursday night, despite a loss to UW-Oshkosh. The Blugolds achieved a program-best team score of 192.900, surpassing their previous record of 190.925 set just last Sunday. The evening was highlighted by several personal bests and a tie for a program record on the balance beam, showcasing the team’s continued growth and potential this season.

Sophomore Hareet Gehlon led the charge, tying the program record on the balance beam with a score of 9.825, a recent personal best for the athlete. This performance anchored a strong showing on the beam, where the team collectively scored 48.200. The Blugolds’ success wasn’t limited to a single event. they as well established a new program record on the uneven bars with a team score of 48.200, demonstrating a well-rounded effort across all disciplines.

Record-Breaking Night on the Balance Beam

The balance beam proved to be a particularly strong event for UW-Eau Claire. While the team’s score of 48.200 was just 0.025 shy of the program record set on Sunday, Gehlon’s standout performance of 9.825 was a key contributor. Supporting her were impressive showings from teammates Georgia Guynn, who achieved a personal best of 9.750, and Grace Gerster, who also posted a personal best with a score of 9.700. Linnea Vasali added a 9.650, and Jozie Armos contributed a 9.625 to the team total.

Uneven Bars Achieve New Heights

The Blugolds’ record-breaking performance on the uneven bars was spearheaded by Kinley Rose, who earned a personal best score of 9.775. Ava Obermoller and Rachel Hettiarachy both contributed scores of 9.675, while Ella Montgomery scored a 9.625 and Linnea Vasali added a 9.450, collectively pushing the team to a new program high of 48.200. This achievement underscores the team’s dedication to improvement and their ability to perform under pressure.

UW-Eau Claire also demonstrated strength on vault, with a team score of 47.675 led by Ava Obermoller’s personal best of 9.700. Abigail Berens and Grace Gerster each scored 9.575, while Haley Zampella earned a 9.450 and Cadence Cordova contributed a 9.375. The floor exercise saw Anna Preussner and Hannah Riha tie for the team lead with personal bests of 9.800 each. Kamryn Andrade followed closely with a personal best of 9.700, and Emily Leese and Sky Skipper rounded out the event with scores of 9.600, and 9.575, respectively, for a total team score of 48.475.

The Blugolds’ consistent improvement and ability to set new program records demonstrate a promising trajectory for the remainder of the season. The team’s focus on individual growth, combined with strong team performances, positions them well for future competitions.

Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugolds.com or on their app, Blugold Sports, and on social media on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

The team will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season, aiming to translate these record-breaking performances into victories. The Blugolds’ dedication to improvement and their strong team spirit will be key factors in their pursuit of success.

What are your thoughts on the Blugolds’ performance? Share your comments below!

TESERO, Italy – The Swedish national team has announced its lineup for the upcoming cross-country skiing events at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, with Frida Karlsson poised to lead the women’s team in the 50km skiathlon. The announcement comes after a period of uncertainty regarding team selection due to illness and fitness concerns within the squad. Several athletes have already departed the Games, impacting the final roster.

The women’s team will consist of Karlsson, Ebba Andersson, Emma Ribom, and Jonna Sundling for the grueling 50km race. Notably absent from the lineup are Linn Svahn and Moa Ilar, both of whom have returned home. According to women’s team coach Stefan Thomson, Svahn’s departure is due to illness that surfaced earlier in the week. “Linn Svahn has gone home. She went home yesterday after feeling unwell at the beginning of the week. The decision has been made for her to return home,” Thomson stated.

On the men’s side, Gustaf Berglund, Calle Halfvarsson, Johan Häggström, and William Poromaa will compete in the 50km skiathlon. Edvin Anger will not participate, with men’s team coach Lars Ljung citing both sporting and medical reasons for the decision. “Edvin has had a tough championship. There were sporting and medical question marks ahead of the 50km. He has been very tired in his airways,” Ljung explained during a press conference on Friday.

The Swedish team had previously considered recalling Alvar Myhlback, who had already left the Olympics, but ultimately decided against it. Anders Byström, the national team coach, explained, “We spoke with Alvar, but as you’ve seen, he’s now fully in Vasaloppet mode. So, flying here to do a 50km was not feasible.” The Vasaloppet is a famed long-distance cross-country ski race held annually in Sweden.

This selection process highlights the challenges teams face during major championships, balancing athlete health, form, and strategic considerations. The Swedish team, already celebrating Frida Karlsson’s gold medal in the women’s 10km + 10km skiathlon on February 7th, will be looking to build on that success as the Games progress.

The Swedish women’s team has emerged as a dominant force in Olympic cross-country skiing at the Milan Cortina Games, winning seven of nine medals so far, according to the Associated Press.

The women’s 50km skiathlon is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM on Sunday, even as the men’s race will start at 11:00 AM on Saturday. Swedish broadcaster SVT will provide live coverage of both events.

As the Olympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina draw to a close, all eyes will be on the remaining cross-country skiing events, particularly the 50km races. The Swedish team, despite the late changes to its lineup, remains a strong contender for further medals. The focus now shifts to supporting the athletes who will compete and witnessing their performances on the final weekend of competition.

What are your thoughts on the Swedish team selections? Share your predictions for the 50km skiathlon in the comments below!