The voice on the other end of the line was calm but carried a hint of surprise. Magnar Dalen, a seasoned ski profiler who had worked with legends like Marit Bjørgen, was accustomed to handling media requests with ease. But this time, the situation was different. Stina Nilsson, the Swedish cross-country skier turned biathlete, had made it clear: no interviews before her long-distance cup debut.
Nilsson has always preferred to stay out of the spotlight. Even before the event,she skipped the organizer’s digital press conference,a move that didn’t shock those familiar with her approach. “I’ve always been extremely good at it,” Stina once said in 2016,referring to her ability to say no when necessary.
Securing an in-depth interview with Nilsson has never been easy. Yet, when she does speak, her words resonate deeply. Back in 2016, she opened up about the impact of menstruation on elite female athletes and emphasized the importance of young people learning to say no, whether to peer pressure or alcohol at ski school parties. Her insights were refreshing and thought-provoking.
Despite her talent and charisma, Nilsson has never chased fame or lucrative advertising deals.she could have capitalized on her success in cross-country skiing, but she chose a different path—one that led her to biathlon, a sport that combines skiing with precision shooting.
Her transition to biathlon, though, hasn’t been smooth. Early on, doubts surrounded her ability to excel in the new discipline. While her skiing remained strong, her shooting performance left much to be desired. Yet, Nilsson’s determination never wavered. She continued to push forward, even when the odds seemed stacked against her.
One memorable morning around Lucia, I found myself on the Ramundberget track, a place where Stina frequently enough trains. Later, as I watched the race on TV, it felt like witnessing a slow-motion drama. The Austrian snowstorm added to the challenge, and Nilsson appeared to struggle. But then, something shifted. She stopped losing ground and began overtaking competitors one by one. Her body language transformed, radiating newfound energy. By the end, she secured a surprising third-place finish.
Stina Nilsson’s journey is a testament to her resilience and independence. She has always charted her own course, even when it meant stepping away from the comfort of cross-country skiing. This weekend, she’ll be back on the competition tracks, ready to prove herself once again. Whether she’s sprinting or shooting, one thing is certain: Stina Nilsson is a force to be reckoned with.
What inspired Stina Nilsson’s transition from cross-country skiing to biathlon?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: Stina Nilsson on Her Journey from Cross-Country Skiing to Biathlon
By Archys, archyde News Editor
Stina Nilsson, the Swedish Olympic medalist and former cross-country skiing star, has always been a figure of intrigue in the world of winter sports. Known for her quiet demeanor and refusal to chase the limelight, Nilsson has made headlines not just for her athletic prowess but also for her thoughtful insights on life, sports, and personal boundaries.
After her transition to biathlon—a sport that combines the endurance of cross-country skiing with the precision of rifle shooting—Nilsson has continued to captivate fans and critics alike. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Stina to discuss her journey, her motivations, and her thoughts on the pressures of elite sports.
Archyde: Stina, thank you for joining us today. you’ve always been selective about interviews, so we’re honored to have this prospect. Let’s start with your transition from cross-country skiing to biathlon. What inspired this change?
Stina Nilsson: Thank you for having me.The decision to switch to biathlon wasn’t easy, but it felt right. Cross-country skiing gave me so much—medals, memories, and a platform to grow as an athlete. But after the 2018 Olympics, I felt I needed a new challenge. Biathlon offered that perfect blend of physical endurance and mental focus. It’s a completely different game, and I love that.
Archyde: You’ve mentioned before that you’re good at saying no—whether it’s to media requests or other pressures. How has this mindset helped you in your career?
Stina Nilsson: (laughs) yes, I’ve always believed in setting boundaries. Saying no isn’t about being difficult; it’s about protecting your energy and focus. In elite sports, ther’s so much external noise—sponsors, media, expectations. Learning to say no has allowed me to stay true to myself and my goals. It’s something I’ve encouraged young athletes to do as well.
Archyde: Speaking of young athletes, back in 2016, you spoke openly about the impact of menstruation on female athletes. Why was it vital for you to address this topic?
Stina Nilsson: Because it’s real,and it’s something we don’t talk about enough. Menstruation affects performance, recovery, and even mental health. by speaking out,I wanted to normalize these conversations and help young women feel less alone. It’s not about making excuses; it’s about understanding our bodies and working with them, not against them.
Archyde: you’ve had the opportunity to capitalize on your success with lucrative endorsements, but you’ve chosen a different path. Why?
Stina Nilsson: Fame and money have never been my driving forces. I’m an athlete because I love the sport,not because I want to be a brand. Of course, I’m grateful for the opportunities, but I’ve always prioritized my passion over profit. Biathlon, for exmaple, isn’t as commercially prominent as cross-country skiing, but it’s where my heart is right now.
Archyde: Your long-distance cup debut in biathlon was highly anticipated, yet you skipped the press conference. Was that a deliberate choice to avoid distractions?
Stina nilsson: Absolutely. I wanted to focus entirely on my performance. Press conferences and interviews can be draining, and I didn’t want anything to take away from my planning. It’s not about disrespecting the media or the fans—it’s about knowing what I need to perform at my best.
Archyde: what advice would you give to young athletes who look up to you?
stina Nilsson: Be true to yourself. Don’t let anyone else define your path or your worth. And remember, it’s okay to say no—whether it’s to peer pressure, unrealistic expectations, or anything that doesn’t align with your goals. sports are about passion and perseverance, but they’re also about balance and self-respect.
Stina Nilsson’s journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and resilience. As she continues to make her mark in biathlon, her story serves as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike.
For more exclusive interviews and sports coverage, stay tuned to Archyde.
