The prestigious Swedish cross-country skiing award is handed out annually to an athlete who shows the "same determination and fighting spirit" as Jernberg, who enjoyed a glittering career in the sport.

He won nine Olympic medals, including four golds across three Games, Cortina d'Ampezzo in 1956, Squaw Valley in 1960 and Innsbruck in 1964.

Jernberg, who passed away at the age of 83 in 2012, was also a quadruple world champion.

The prize was awarded to Henriksson because she enjoyed a fine 2015-2016 season after an illness-plagued campaign during 2014-2015.

The 22-year-old was second overall in the Scandinavian Cup, while she won the silver medal over 30 kilometres at the Swedish National Championships in Gallivare.

“After having the 2014-15 season ruined because of illness, Sofia Henriksson came back strong last winter," said a statement from the Sixten Jernberg Prize jury.

"She showed hardness and fighting spirit that is in the statutes of the Sixten Jernberg medal and has become the fifth woman to receive the prize."

The prize can only be won once in a skier's career and has been awarded since 1965.

Last year, the accolade was scooped by Olympic bronze medallist Stina Nilsson.

The 23-year-old, winner of three World Championship silver medals, was a part of the Swedish team sprint squad which came third at Sochi 2014.