The only way that Johaug loses, if she hasn’t been too affected by later arrival and general anxiety over Covid testing, is if the strong winds blow her away.
I expect the two Swedes to be up there, Nepryaeva and one or two of her teammates (Sorina and Stupak, if they are in form), the Americans are going to be up there if they can hang in the classic portion, and that can sometimes be a big if. Stadlober could be dangerous, Hennig should do well in the classic portion, but will likely lose positions in the skate and that will also happen to the Finns. Maybe Pärmäkoski can hang around a bit longer. This may truly be a ‘lottery’ Olympics.
I expect the two Swedes to be up there, Nepryaeva and one or two of her teammates (Sorina and Stupak, if they are in form), the Americans are going to be up there if they can hang in the classic portion, and that can sometimes be a big if. Stadlober could be dangerous, Hennig should do well in the classic portion, but will likely lose positions in the skate and that will also happen to the Finns. Maybe Pärmäkoski can hang around a bit longer. This may truly be a ‘lottery’ Olympics.