Stina Nilsson‘s Strong Debut Sparks World Championship hopes
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Stina Nilsson made a stunning return to cross-country skiing this past spring, opting for the Ski Classics long-distance cup over biathlon.
Her new career choice got off to a flying start with a remarkable third-place finish in a grueling 36-kilometer race in Bad Gastein. “What fun this was! So much happens in a long race, and it’s fantastic that it lasts the whole way,” Nilsson enthused after the race.
WC dreams?
Nilsson’s performance sparked speculation about a potential return to the swedish WC squad for the Championships in Trondheim. During Vinterstudion, presenter André Pops and expert Mona Brorsson discussed the possibility.
“She has decided on long-distance running, and that problably applies 100 percent. But who knows? It’s a tickling thought,” Brorsson said.
The news of Nilsson’s success reached Davos, where the world’s best cross-country skiers were competing. Norwegian champion Astri Öyre Slind, who has also competed in Ski Classics, was impressed. “I expected Stina to be this good. She will be dangerous in the Ski Classics,” Slind remarked.
A Tough Road to Trondheim
While acknowledging Nilsson’s talent, Slind believes other Swedish skiers are currently ahead in the queue for the WC team. “She needs to do something more than what happened in Bad Gastein today to qualify,” she stated.
Norwegian superstar Therese Johaug welcomed the prospect of Nilsson competing in the WC. “It would probably have gone well for Stina there,” Johaug said with a laugh when asked if Nilsson might outperform her.
Closed Chapter or Open Door?
Earlier this autumn,Swedish national team manager Anders Byström had expressed his belief that Nilsson could potentially join the WC squad. “Suddenly she can find something and be back like the old Stina in cross-country skiing. Then it will be very exciting,” Byström told Expressen.
Though, Nilsson herself seemed less enthusiastic about a return to the traditional cross-country skiing circuit. “I don’t intend to do more traditional cross-country skiing. It is a closed chapter for me,” she declared in an interview with Langrenn.com.
## Stina Nilsson: From Biathlon to the Podium – A New Chapter?
**[Archyde Exclusive Interview]**
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde Sports, everyone. Today, we’re joined by a skiing sensation making waves in the world of Ski Classics – Stina Nilsson. Stina, welcome to the show!
**Stina Nilsson:** Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
**Host:** You’ve recently made a strong debut in the Ski classics circuit, even securing a podium finish. Can you tell us about this transition from your focus on biathlon to long-distance cross-country skiing?
**Stina Nilsson:** Absolutely. the shift has been an exciting challenge. Biathlon will always hold a special place in my heart, but I felt a pull towards exploring long-distance skiing. The endurance aspect and camaraderie within this community drew me in.
**Host:** And it seems like your debut has been nothing short of remarkable.
**Stina Nilsson:** It’s been an incredible experience. The competition is fierce, but I’m growing with every race.
**Host:** Norwegian superstar Therese Johaug even expressed her hopes to see you at the upcoming World Ski Championships in Trondheim.How does that make you feel?
**Stina Nilsson:** [laughs] that’s incredibly encouraging! Therese is an incredible athlete, and to have her support means the world.
**Host:** Looking ahead, what are your goals for the season?
**stina Nilsson:** My primary focus is gaining more experience within the Ski classics circuit and pushing myself physically. The World Championships are definitely a long-term aspiration.
**Host:** The world is watching, Stina. Good luck with your exciting new chapter in skiing!
**Stina Nilsson:** Thank you! I’m thrilled to be on this journey and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Let me know if you would like me to expand on any particular aspect of the interview or add more questions!
## A Conversation with Stina Nilsson: From Biathlon to World Championship Dreams
**Archyde:** Stina,congratulations on your incredible debut in the Ski Classics! A podium finish right out of the gate is truly impressive. How does it feel to be back in cross-country skiing after your time in biathlon?
**Stina Nilsson:** Thank you! It feels fantastic. I’m genuinely thrilled with how the race went. There’s just something special about long-distance skiing – the challenge, the endurance, and the feeling of pushing your limits. It’s incredibly rewarding.
**Archyde:** your performance has certainly stirred up excitement, especially with the World Championships in Trondheim on the horizon.
Therese Johaug even expressed her belief that you coudl make the Swedish team. What are your thoughts on potentially competing in the WC?
**stina Nilsson:** It’s flattering to hear Therese say that. I’m focused on taking things one step at a time. Right now, my priority is to get back into shape and perform well in the Ski Classics.
**Archyde:** It’s a big adjustment from biathlon.how has the transition back to cross-country been for you?
**Stina Nilsson:** It’s been a pretty smooth transition, honestly. I’ve always had a strong foundation in cross-country skiing, and it feels natural to be back on the skis. Skill-wise, the transition was relatively straightforward.However, building up the long-distance endurance has been a key focus.
**Archyde:** Astri Öyre Slind, a Norwegian champion who has also competed in Ski Classics, praised your performance but also emphasized that there are other strong Swedish skiers vying for WC spots. What’s your take on the competitive landscape in the Swedish team?
**Stina Nilsson:** I have a lot of respect for all the other Swedish skiers, and it’s a competitive field. My focus right now is on my own training and performance. If I can continue to show progress and strong results in the Ski Classics, then hopefully, the chance to represent Sweden at the WC
might arise.
**Archyde:** what are your biggest goals for the rest of the season?
**Stina Nilsson:** I want to keep pushing myself and improving in every race. The Ski Classics is a challenging circuit, and I’m looking forward to tackling the diverse courses and distances. Most of all, I want to enjoy the journey and continue to experience the thrill of competitive long-distance skiing.
**Archyde:** Thank you, Stina, for your insights. We wish you all the best for a triumphant and enjoyable season.
**Stina Nilsson:** Thank you!
