Swedish Ski Team Selects Early World Championship Roster
With teh World Cross-Country Skiing Championships in Trondheim,Norway,just 70 days away (February 26 – March 9),the Swedish national team has made a strategic move,mirroring their approach from two years prior.They’ve announced a preliminary roster of four skiers who will represent Sweden in the competition: Jonna Sundling, Ebba Andersson, Frida Karlsson, and Johanna Hagström.
National team manager Anders Byström explained the decision in a press release: “The reason is that we want to give thes skiers extra time to prepare for the WC and thus a calmness to be able to perform as well as possible when it comes to February.”
Byström further elaborated on the selection criteria: “Those who are now selected are both reigning champions who thus have their own free places at the World Cup, but also active players who have already performed at such a high level during the first period of the World Cup that they are given in the World Cup squad.”
one standout performer is 26-year-old Johanna Hagström, who has enjoyed a strong start to the season. She secured a victory in the sprint at the World Cup premiere in Ruka and earned a second-place finish in Lillehammer.
Regarding Hagström’s selection, Byström commented: “At the last championships, Johanna Hagström has had to fight for her place right up to the final selection, but this time she has impressed so much that we see her as one of the five ladies who will compete in the sprint at the WC.”
Hagström herself admitted to anticipating her selection, stating: “But I was very happy about the conversation. It is indeed clear that it is great to secure a place in the squad. Not least to be able to set up a training plan for the World Cup already now, where you don’t have to top your form in the same way before the World Cup to succeed in securing a World Cup place. Now it can rather be a entirely different focus towards Trondheim.”
This early selection allows the athletes to focus their training and planning specifically for the World Championships, giving them a meaningful advantage in the competition. The Swedish team’s strategic approach highlights their commitment to maximizing their chances of success in Trondheim.
For more on the upcoming ski season, including other notable athletes and events, check out this related article: Johaug’s twist – run the Tour de Ski
Swedish Ski Team’s Early Bird Gets the Worm
Brianna Jones (Senior Editor, world-today-news.com): Welcome back to the World today Sports Desk. Today, we’re diving into the world of cross-country skiing with expert Sandra Svensson. Sandra, thanks for joining us.
Sandra Svensson: My pleasure, Brianna. Always happy to talk Nordic skiing!
Brianna: The big news this week is the Swedish national team’s early declaration of their cross-country World Championship roster. This is a bit unconventional, isn’t it?
Sandra: It certainly is. Most teams wait until closer to the event, but Sweden has taken a page from their playbook two years ago and announced four skiers very early – Jonna Sundling, Ebba Andersson, Frida Karlsson, and Johanna Hagström.
Brianna: That group is stacked with talent. What’s the thinking behind this early selection?
Sandra: National team manager anders byström has been clear – this is about giving these skiers maximum time to prepare. He wants them to have the mental and physical space to peak at the World Championships in Trondheim.
Brianna: Interesting strategy. Johanna hagström is having a stunning season so far, with a win at the World Cup in Ruka and a second-place finish at Lillehammer. It’s no surprise she earned her spot.
Sandra: Absolutely. Hagström’s performance this year has been undeniable. Byström even remarked that she’s impressed the team so much that thay see her as a lock for the sprint competition at the World Championships.
Brianna: So, what does this early selection mean for Hagström and the other athletes in terms of their training and readiness?
Sandra: It definitely takes the pressure off. Hagström herself said it allows her to focus her training specifically for Trondheim without the worry of securing her spot on the team. This approach offers a meaningful advantage in terms of having a focused and tailored training plan.
Brianna: It makes perfect sense. It’ll be exciting to see how this strategy pays off for Sweden in February. Sandra, thanks so much for sharing your insights.
Sandra:** My pleasure, Brianna. looking forward to a great World Championships!
