Frida Karlsson didn't get off to a great start to the ski season during the premiere in Gällivare last weekend.
She made it to the quarterfinals in the sprint, survived the next race and completely crashed out in the 10 kilometer freestyle. Karlsson finished tenth, one minute and twelve seconds behind Ebba Andersson.
"It's definitely my worst debut," Karlsson told SVT after the race.
“People think I'm ice cream”
The 26-year-old chose to hone her form in Tenerife ahead of the season, something that has raised opinions. Not least after a weak debut. She herself seems to brush off the criticism.
"That's good. I'm the face of Tenerife now," says Karlsson and continues:
I was told that people think I'm having ice cream. Like: "she's on vacation" and that's not really what I was going for.
But why is one of the world's top cross-country skiers going to the Canary Islands when large parts of the national team are honing their form at home in cold environments?
Last year I had to go there because of my injury. I could only cycle then. I really enjoy the heat and it feels like I can train more there too, she says.
The good climate also seems to have a positive psychological impact.
I have less stress there. Lower general stress. I also think it's quite nice to somehow get away from the ski world a little. Into my own world, says Karlsson.
“Once is no time”
Ahead of the World Cup premiere in Ruka, Finland, Karlsson is not worried about his form, despite the weak premiere at home.
Normally, bad results tend to stick around longer and I think about it. But this year I feel like I'm pretty confident in what I can do and that the training has gone well. One race is not a race. One time is no time. It takes a little more before I worry.
However, there is a lot of the desire for revenge in the body.
I still want to show myself that I can go faster than last weekend. I just want to do a good race. Often when you ride badly you feel it before. But I didn't last weekend. I was really surprised that it went so badly.
Frida Karlsson and other skiers will begin the World Cup season with a 10 km classic at 10:30.
