Olympic cross-country skiing champion Stina Nilsson, who turned to biathlon and was recently included in the final squad of the Swedish national team for the Beijing 2022 Olympics, said she was happy to take up the challenge.
“In biathlon, you can do your best on the track, but at the same time you have to be in complete control of your body”, said Stina Nilsson during a training session for Swedish biathletes in Ostersund. “Being able to calm down and not hear the noises around you is exactly what it is about. I really think it’s an exceptional sport. I just love this challenge”, added she.
Despite a certain lack of experience, Stina Nilsson is doing well in the new field and impressed coach Jean-Marc Chabloz.
“We started the training process last year”, said Jean-Marc Chabloz of Stina Nilsson’s shooting development. “This year we are making even more progress in not thinking about shooting too early. During cross-country skiing, she should only think about it, and when it comes time for the shooting range, she should adjust the shooting”, explained he.
“We don’t usually compare cross-country skiing and biathlon because it’s a different technique. I think I can get ahead in the biathlon pursuit because of my skills. I’m good at it. There’s a new Olympics in four years and if I qualify, I would have even more experience. I don’t see myself in cross-country skiing again”, said Stina Nilsson.
Jean-Marc Chabloz predicts a bright future for Stina Nilsson in biathlon.
“There are no boundaries, that’s clear. I said it at the beginning. I had no doubt in her cross-country skiing skills, and now she’s starting to bring together what she needs to reach her full potential. I’m happy things are going well”, said also the coach.
