Skistad had promised to never let Sundling's back go in the World Championship's initial sprint. She almost kept it.
But just over the crest of the last uphill, the Swede got a few meters, and that decided the final.
A minute later, a jubilant Jonna Sundling celebrated her third consecutive World Championship gold in sprint. Shortly after, a completely exhausted Kristine Stavås Skistad collapsed in a heap behind the finish line, as a disappointed silver medalist.
We had hoped for more. But we were not better today. I feel that I did what I could. But Sundling was stronger, says Skistad.
Consoled by the coach
Afterwards, she was consoled by her coach Lage Sofienlund, who, unlike his protégée, thought that Skistad's performance deserved praise.
I am so impressed by her and the way she has overcome all the setbacks. I am impressed that she can deliver at that level after everything she has been through, says Sofienlund to NTB.
Kristine Stavås Skistad brightens up when she hears the words.
It's nice to hear that. I and Lage are a good team. We work well together.
Loves to beat the Swedish women
The 26-year-old Norwegian has been the single biggest threat to Swedish sprint dominance on the women's side in recent years. The World Championship in Trondheim, in front of the home crowd, was her big goal. And it was only gold that counted, despite her having several weeks of training ruined before the season after being forced to undergo a stomach operation in November.
It feels a bit empty now. I have worked long towards something other than what became today. So it's a disappointment. Even though it was enormous to get to compete in front of the home crowd, says Skistad.
The rivalry with the Swedish sprint women, with Sundling at the forefront, gives her energy. Beating blue-yellow skiers is wonderful, says Skistad. Losing to the same ones is even worse.
The medal ceremony later on Thursday, on the square in central Trondheim, she does not look forward to.
It will be tough, says Skistad.
Right now, the focus is just to get through the day.
