Five years after his retirement from biathlon, many things have changed for the Swede Fredrik Lindström. For him, who in the palm tree counts a Olympic gold conquered in the relay at Pyeongchang 2018, the post-career has translated into a return to studies, to pursue the dream of become a doctor. After several years on the benches, he now works in a hospital while waiting to obtain his specialization.
In an interview given to the channels of theMOMthe Swedish tells his story, starting from the very last years in the World Cup: “My last season didn’t go at all as I had imagined. After twelve years in the national team, I put everything into training in the summer to be in top shape for the World Championships in Östersund. My body couldn’t cope. Looking back, being on the start line in Östersund for the World Championships was perhaps my greatest success. It was increasingly difficult to leave my wife and two daughters at home and go to the competitions. That’s why I appreciated the intensive time spent with them even more after my career ended.”explained Lindström.
For the former biathlete It wasn’t easy to go back to studying after so many years in the World Cupalthough his experience in sports helped him: “Being a doctor is a really awesome job. But it wasn’t easy for me to go back to class at first. After all, my school days go back more than 15 years. “I think my time as a competitive athlete helped me a lot to overcome these mentally stressful phases. I learned to focus and work efficiently.”
Today, in the 4th year of studies, Lindström works as a trainee in the hospital’s orthopedic department and is evaluating which specialization to choose next year: “A lot of sports injuries are treated in orthopedics. I know the field, it’s an exciting field. But I also see myself working as a family doctor.” Meanwhile, while his eldest daughter trains with the local biathlon club, Lindström remains attached to his past as an athlete: “Sometimes my patients recognize me. I’ve had some strange and funny conversations.”
