Cross-country skiing star Frida Karlsson. © Frida Karlsson

Cross-country skiing star Karlsson: “Would have collapsed”

After Therese Johaug's resignation, she is the new face of the Cross Country World Cup: Frida Karlsson. As the Swede explained in an interview, she almost made a drastic decision.

June 22, 2023

From: leo

The correct distribution of strength is of the utmost importance in cross-country skiing. Competing in every race is virtually impossible, so many top stars repeatedly forego competitions. Unless you are fighting for the overall World Cup. Frida Karlsson hasn't won this yet because she lacked consistency and her body went on strike too often. Opposite the Swedish newspaper Expressen she now said: “In the upcoming season I either wanted to do everything I could to win the big ball or not compete in any races at all.”

A sabbatical year in the prime of an athlete? There is a reason for this: “From 2025, major events will take place three years in a row. I want to be in top shape there,” emphasizes the Swede. Accordingly, Karlsson had decided to only train in the upcoming winter - without taking part in a single race. Their coach Per Nilsson was not enthusiastic about this idea: “We have come to an agreement. Because the competition is fun, I will take part in the World Cup and the Tour de Ski, but will skip some races,” explains Karlsson. Her goal is to continue to develop throughout the season, after she has always weakened somewhat at the end of the season in recent years.

Preparing for the new season: Frida Karlsson © Frida Karlsson

Looking back, Karlsson realizes that her idea of ​​not competing was a bit too drastic. “When I think about it now, I wonder how I would have done it. I probably would have collapsed mentally,” concludes Karlsson.