Published 21 Nov 2024 at 1.23pm Updated at 1.50pm
The competition nerves took on a life of their own.
Biathlon talent Ella Halvarsson threw up before, during and after.
– Now I just throw up. So I get so fucking nervous often, she says.
Ella Halvarsson.
Photo: MAXIM THORE / BILDBYRÅN
Ella Halvarsson.
Photo: ANDERS WIKLUND / TT NEWS AGENCY
When the Swedish biathlon squads were presented for the season, there were several new names in the A national team.
Ella Halvarsson, 25, is one of them.
– It feels very fun, it feels like I’ve been stomping for the past few years, she says.
Thanks to her overcoming illness, the summer has been the best ever.
– Finally something is happening, I’ve been waiting a bit for this. Now I have taken a step, it feels like. When we had tests during the pre-season, I was much better, 3000 meters and things like that. But also when I check against the team, before I couldn’t keep up with any interval, now I still do it on someone.
The fight against the spies
During the Swedish premiere in Idre last weekend, there was a fourth place and a third place.
The goal for Ella Halvarsson this year is to drive more at the World Cup, so far it has only been twice. A 33rd place in the distance at home in Östersund and 59th in the sprint in Holmenkollen.
Otherwise, she has frequently ridden the IBU Cup, the level below the World Cup. The biggest success came six years ago, she together with Elvira Öberg and Amanda Lundström won Sweden’s only JVM gold in the relay so far.
Amanda Lundström, Ella Halvarsson and Elvira Öberg won JVM gold in relay.
Photo: BILDBYRÅN
Behind the success in her career, however, something she still works hard at hides – an extreme nervousness.
– Before, I threw up before, during and after the competition. Now I just throw up. I get so damn nervous often.
But has it been fun to compete anyway?
– Yes, it is. But I’ve been really bad before.
Are you able to go all out despite how you feel?
– Just when it was before and during, it ruined a lot of the race. But if you finish and throw up, it doesn’t matter much.
The insight: “Been sick”
Ella Halvarsson has spent a lot of time to limit the vomiting to after competition and to deal with the extreme nervousness she suffers from.
– I work on it mentally, because I also know that I raise myself when I get nervous. So in a way it’s good for me. And thinking more, this nervousness doesn’t have to mean anything bad. Then I think it gradually grew out as well. That I got used to competing.
Despite the problems with the nerves and the fact that she stood and stomped for several years in the development curve, the thoughts of quitting have never been there.
– Then it’s clear that you think about, shouldn’t it work? Shouldn’t it drop at some point? And why should it always be like this, what’s wrong? But then it became quite clear what was wrong, and that is that I was ill.
Racing and Rejection: Ella Halvarsson Battles Biathlon Nerves
Published on 21 Nov 2024 at 1:23 PM, updated at 1:50 PM
Enter Ella Halvarsson: The Biathlon Dynamo with Vomit Management Skills
So, picture this: you’re about to compete in a high-pressure biathlon event. You lace up your shoes, take a deep breath, and—wait, is that pizza from last night making a sudden reappearance? Well, welcome to the competition nerves of Ella Halvarsson! Our Swedish sensation isn’t just racing against the clock; she’s racing against her stomach too.
– “Now I just throw up,” she says, proving that sometimes, the adrenaline rush just runs a bit… too powerful!
From Struggling to Stomping: Ella’s Transition
The Swedish biathlon teams have been officially unveiled for the season, and guess who’s making a splash? That’s right, it’s our girl Ella, all 25 years of her and filled with enough nervous energy to power a small city. In her own words, “It feels very fun. I’ve been stomping for the past few years.” Stomping? Is she prepping to race or auditioning for a dance show?
This summer was the best for Ella thanks to her healing from illness—turns out, not every victory needs fireworks, some just need a solid recovery plan! After grinding through pre-season tests, she proclaimed, “I’m much better!” Honestly, I’m just impressed she figured out how to compete without going all Exorcist in the middle of her races.
The Bumpy Road to World Cup Dreams
At the recent Swedish premiere in Idre, Ella snagged a 4th and a 3rd place finish. Not bad for someone who previously couldn’t hold together her lunch! Her ambition? To make it big at the World Cup level, although her past performances—33rd in Östersund and a staggering 59th in Holmenkollen—may have involved more “throwing up” than “throwing down.”
The Woes of Nervousness: A Melodrama
Now, let’s have a heart-to-heart about those nerves. Ella candidly admits to the struggle, saying, “Before, I threw up before, during and after competitions. Now, I just throw up.” So, we’ve gone from a pre-game snack to a pre-game… premonition? Who needs mood lighting when you’ve got projectile vomiting to set the ambiance, right?
But despite the, shall we say, “liquid courage,” Ella still finds joy in competing. “Yes, it’s fun. But I’ve been really bad before.” Ah yes, a true sportswoman—still able to see the bright side while grappling with a less-than-pleasant reality.
Navigating Nerves: A Mental Game
Ella has adopted a strategy to maintain her dignity—now aiming to limit the vomit to after the races. “I work on it mentally, and I know I raise myself when I get nervous.” Classic. Just when you think you’re too anxious to perform, you somehow summon the spirit of a thousand motivational posters! Talk about turnaround goals.
Conclusion: A Future of Victory and Varnish
So here we are, a young lady fighting through her competition jitters and winning accolades, one vomit at a time. And her determination is nothing short of inspirational, even if it involves some spillovers. As Ella says herself, “I thought about quitting, but it became clear what was wrong; I was ill.” And isn’t that the golden nugget of wisdom we all need? Sniffles happen, but so do triumphs!
So let’s keep an eye on Ella Halvarsson, because if she can manage to race, hurl, and still come out smiling, then who knows? One day she might just represent Sweden in the Olympics—and we’ll be there cheering her on, preferably with popcorn, not… anything else!
Published 21 Nov 2024 at 1.23pm Updated at 1.50pm
The competition nerves took on a life of their own for Ella Halvarsson, a talented 25-year-old biathlete from Sweden, who found herself physically overwhelmed during events, throwing up both before and after competitions.
– Now I just throw up. So I get so fucking nervous often, she admits candidly, illustrating the intense pressure that athletes can face in high-stakes environments.
When the Swedish biathlon squads were presented for the season, several promising new names marked their place in the A national team roster, including Ella Halvarsson.
– It feels very fun, it feels like I’ve been stomping for the past few years, she reflected on her journey, emphasizing the hard work she has put in to overcome numerous challenges along the way.
Thanks to her overcoming illness, she noted that this summer has been her best yet in terms of training and performance.
– Finally, something is happening; I’ve been waiting a bit for this, Halvarsson said, expressing her excitement. She highlighted her progress during pre-season tests, where she clocked impressive times in events like the 3000 meters.
The fight against the spies
During the Swedish premiere in Idre last weekend, she achieved a commendable fourth place and followed it with a solid third place, showcasing her determination and skill.
The goal for Ella Halvarsson this year is to drive more at the World Cup, as she has only competed twice at that level so far, with results like a 33rd place in the distance event at home in Östersund and a 59th in the sprint at Holmenkollen.
Otherwise, she has frequently ridden the IBU Cup, the level beneath the prestigious World Cup circuit. The peak of her achievements came six years ago when she, along with Elvira Öberg and Amanda Lundström, clinched Sweden’s only JVM gold in the relay to date.
Amanda Lundström, Ella Halvarsson and Elvira Öberg won JVM gold in relay.
Behind the success in her career, however, lies an ongoing struggle with extreme nervousness, a battle that she continues to navigate.
– Before, I threw up before, during and after the competition. Now I just throw up. I get so damn nervous often, she explained, bringing to light the often hidden emotional turmoil that accompanies high-level competition.
But has it been fun to compete anyway?
– Yes, it is. But I’ve been really bad before, she acknowledges, revealing her candid view on the pressures of performance.
Are you able to go all out despite how you feel?
– Just when it was before and during, it ruined a lot of the race. But if you finish and throw up, it doesn’t matter much.
The insight: “Been sick”
Ella Halvarsson has devoted significant time and effort to limit the vomiting to just after competitions, working to master her extreme nervousness.
– I work on it mentally, because I also know that I raise myself when I get nervous. So in a way, it’s good for me, she shared, recognizing the duality of her nervous energy and competitive edge.
Despite the challenges presented by her nerves and the stagnation she faced for several years on the development curve, the thought of quitting has never crossed her mind.
– Then it’s clear that you think about, shouldn’t it work? Shouldn’t it drop at some point? And why should it always be like this, what’s wrong? But then it became quite clear what was wrong, and that is that I was ill, she concluded, highlighting her resilience and ability to push forward despite obstacles.
What challenges has Ella Halvarsson faced in her biathlon career and how has she overcome them?
Lay to date. This notable victory solidifies her place in Sweden’s biathlon history, showcasing the talent she possesses despite the challenges she faces.
Ella’s journey to success hasn’t been without its hurdles, and her candidness about her extreme nervousness provides a glimpse into the mental struggles many athletes face. Vomiting from nerves is a visceral reminder of the pressure to perform at high stakes, but Ella’s resilience shines through. “I work on it mentally because I also know that I hyper-focus when I get nervous,” she states, highlighting her efforts to reframe her feelings of anxiety into something productive.
Her training and competition this season have marked a turning point, as she confidently steps onto the tracks with renewed vigor. ”I’m much better,” she emphasizes, a reflection of her hard work and commitment to improving both her mental and physical health. The transition from turning up sick before races to managing her nerves demonstrates her growth—not only as a competitor but as a person learning to navigate the pressures of performance sport.
With her eyes set on the World Cup and a track record that reveals both grit and promise, Ella Halvarsson is certainly one to watch. Her spirit, resilience, and ability to turn challenges into learning experiences serve as proof that, amidst the pressures of biathlon, success lies in perseverance and the belief that one can rise above fear.
As fans and supporters rally around her, there’s hope that her story will continue to inspire others facing similar battles. One day, we might just see her racing for Sweden on the Olympic stage, embodying the true essence of an athlete who doesn’t just overcome obstacles, but thrives in the face of them. Whether competing or dealing with nerves, Ella’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the pursuit of one’s dreams, no matter how tumultuous the path may appear.
