The results page from the Junior World champs women’s 5K interval start classic on Jan. 30 2018 in Goms, Switzerland has names current World Cup fans will surely recognize.

In fifth is Kristine Stavaas Skistad. A couple places back, Frida Karlsson, Moa Lundgren, Mathilde Myhrvold and Hedda Oestberg Amundsen.

The silver medalist that day: Hailey Swirbul.

After collecting an individual skiathlon bronze a couple days later, Swirbul went on to make 2 World Champs teams, an Olympic squad and claim a World Cup podium. Then, before she was even 25, she was out of skiing.

Now, more than two years after her last start in Lahti on March 26, 2023, Swirbul is back. 

In this conversation, we dive into the story behind her comeback, the pathway back to an Olympics, what she’s learned while away and her opinion on why all too often, skiers leave the sport early. Plus, a Keegan Swirbul update for the cycling dorks out there.

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