Do you remember the games in Beijing 2022? Frida Karlsson remembers, but perhaps would rather forget.
She was completely out of shape, collapsed several times during the races, and was then stopped by the medical team from skiing the final three miles.
“Would go to war”
As she now prepares for her second Olympics, in Val di Fiemme, Italy, it is, as she puts it, “like night and day” compared to four years ago, when there were also strict restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"Then it really was like this: I was going to war. I put on the armor when I went out and had a constant worry inside me," says Frida Karlsson.
Now it's more... a show! That I'm going out and doing what I love.
For the cross-country skiers, the Olympics begin today. The skiathlon, 20 kilometers, is on the program and Karlsson is one of the big medal candidates. And despite the failure in Beijing, she loves the Olympic Games – she always has.
When you were little, you watched the Olympics a lot, that's where you wanted to be. You never thought about the steps in between, you just thought "that's where I'm going". And then you really created a love for the sport as it really is. And then I think that it should be the last boss of the game, says Frida Karlsson.
The last Olympics?
The 26-year-old has previously said that she plans to end her career after the home World Championships in Falun in 2027. But she does not focus on the fact that this could be her last Olympic chance.
No, I'm not really thinking about that. I'm more grateful to be standing here and maybe be able to enjoy a championship too. That I don't have to worry about injuries here and there and a lot of other things," says Frida Karlsson.
Now it really feels like I can enjoy this bonus as it should be when you've been training for it for years.
The women's skiathlon starts at 1 p.m. The Swedish team, in addition to Frida Karlsson, consists of Ebba Andersson, Moa Ilar and Jonna Sundling.
Age: 26.
Lives: Östersund and Sollefteå.
Coach: Per Nilsson.
Main achievements: Olympics: one bronze, 2022 (relay). World Championships: three golds - 2019 (relay), 2025 (50 km, relay); five silvers; five bronzes.
February 7: Women's skiathlon.
February 8: Men's skiathlon.
February 10: Sprint classic, women and men.
February 12: 10 kilometer freestyle, women.
February 13: 10 kilometer freestyle, men.
February 14: Relay, women.
February 15: Relay, men.
February 18: Team sprint, women and men.
February 21: 50 kilometer classic, men.
February 22: 50 kilometers classic, women.
